Governor Kathy Hochul today announced an agreement with 1199SEIU and the Greater New York Health Care Facilities Association to avert a potential strike in New York State's nursing homes. The new, three-year agreement covers worker wages and benefits, ensuring health care heroes are treated fairly and nursing home residents have the care they need.
"After days of intense discussion and collaboration, I am proud to have facilitated a fair agreement with 1199SEIU and the Greater New York Health Care Facilities Association that protects working people and nursing home residents," Governor Hochul said. "In the midst of a deadly public health crisis, it's imperative to that New Yorkers living in long-term care facilities receive the care they deserve. At the same time, we need to ensure the hard-working women and men who work in these facilities are treated with dignity and respect. This agreement is a major step forward."
Earlier this month, 1199SEIU workers in nursing homes and long-term care facilities authorized a strike if an agreement was not reached. The new three-year agreement between 1199SEIU and the Greater New York Healthcare Association and other nursing home organizations covers worker wages and benefits. The notice for a strike was withdrawn after Governor Hochul brought both sides to the table to craft an agreement.
George Gresham, President of 1199SEIU, which represents 450,000 healthcare workers, said: "Our nursing home heroes took a stand for the contract they deserve after having spent nearly two years caring for residents in the face of the worst pandemic any of us have ever seen. We appreciate Governor Hochul for standing with us to ensure that New York's for-profit nursing homes step up to do the right thing by guaranteeing healthcare for the heroes who continue to provide exceptional care for our loved ones."
Michael Balboni, Executive Director of the Greater New York Healthcare Association said: "Greater New York Healthcare Association thanks Governor Hochul for demonstrating leadership that matters and helping to settle this contract. Her concern and focus on the needs of the long-term care industry came at just the right time and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with her."