Union caregivers across the Finger Lakes region are giving notice of an impending one-day strike at University of Rochester Medicine Home Care.
Members of the 1199SEIU say they issued a 10-day notice Tuesday afternoon with plans to hit the picket line on Feb. 24.
This comes after the union filed an unfair labor practice charge accusing URMHC of negotiating in bad faith.
Union health workers say they've been in talks with URMHC for nine months, asking for better wages, affordable insurance coverage and smaller patient caseloads.
"We don't want to take folks out on a strike. That's not what we're looking for," said 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East Vice President Tracey Harrison. "The ultimate goal is to get a contract for these folks. But if in fact we see that's still not where this employer wants to be or go, then we will strongly consider looking at escalating this situation further."
URMHC is refuting the union's claims, saying in a statement that it has reached tentative agreements with workers on multiple proposals. The group also says it respects workers rights to engage in a strike:
"Home Care leadership has been bargaining in good faith since May 2024 in a sincere effort to make progress toward reaching an initial contract and has reached tentative agreements with the Union on many proposals. Despite our extensive efforts, employees in the bargaining unit have authorized a strike for up to three days.
While URMHC recognizes and respects the right to engage in a strike, we are sincere in our desire to reach a fair agreement as demonstrated by our agreement to many of the provisions proposed. We remain committed to treating each and every employee fairly—both those who are union-represented and those who are not.
UR Medicine Home Care, headquartered at 2180 Empire BLVD in Webster, New York, is a not-for-profit Home Health Care Agency with fewer than 400 employees. We deliver high-quality, compassionate health care and support services for homebound and medically frail patients across Monroe, Livingston, Wyoming, Ontario, Wayne, Seneca, and Yates counties."
Source: spectrumlocalnews.com
