Lewiston, N.Y. (WBEN) - Workers at Ascension Living Our Lady of Peace nursing home in Lewiston reached a tentative agreement on a 3-year contract with the St. Louis-based company late Tuesday night according to 1199SEIU, the union representing local nursing home workers.
More than 100 people work at the location. They were ready to strike on May 20th if a deal wasn't reached.
“It’s been way too long without any increases. We needed it, we deserved it, and we got it," said Brendella Pryor, a 35-year employee at Our Lady of Peace.
Shameka Burnette-Matthews from 1199SEIU spoke with WBEN Tuesday prior to the deal being reached about the union's demands. "In our Western New York nursing homes we're noticing a trend unfortunately. Short-staffing, lack of quality benefits, the wages are too low. So it's hard for recruitment and to improve retention when the ownership is refusing to increase the benefits for the workers."
Workers at these fourteen nursing homes will begin striking next week if a deal is not reached:
-Absolut Care of Gasport
-Buffalo Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing
-Comprehensive Rehab and Nursing Center at Williamsville
-Elderwood at Lockport
-Elderwood at Williamsville
-Ellicott Center
-Garden Gate Manor
-Gowanda Nursing Home
-Newfane Rehabilitation & Health Center
-North Gate Manor
-Safire Rehabilitation of Northtowns
-Schofield Residence
-The Grand at Delaware Park
-Williamsville Suburban Care Center
Workers at these facilities will walk the picket lines for 7 days, completing their work action on May 27th. 1199SEIU says negotiations are being held every day.