CWA Local 1168 Members Settle Big TA, Narrowly Averting a Strike Vote

CWA Local 1168 members at Kaleida Health in Buffalo, NY, along with members of 1199SEIU, reached a tentative agreement earlier this month after several months of tough bargaining and strong member mobilization. The three-year contract covers approximately 8,000 workers between the two unions, including nurses, professional, technical, clerical, service, and maintenance workers across multiple worksites.

The TA includes wage increases every year of the contract; increases in a number of differentials including shift differential and training pay, as well as increases to pension pay; improvements to staffing levels; an expedited arbitration process; and, importantly, no givebacks.

“With the combination of this contract and New York State staffing law, we can positively impact working conditions for members and provide safe, quality care to our community. We believe this agreement will keep Kaleida Health as the premier employer and best place to receive care in Western New York,” said Cori Gambini, RN, President of CWA Local 1168. “We reached an agreement the bargaining committee can be proud to bring back to our membership with a strong recommendation for ratification.”

The 60-person mobilization team ramped up both workplace actions and online actions lifted up on social media, and after several contract extensions as the unions attempted to reach a deal, members were prepared to take a stand and vote on whether to authorize a strike.

Ratification is taking place now through July 24.