BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Communications Workers of America approved contracts with Catholic Health Monday.
The CWA said 94% voted ‘Yes’ on overdue wage increases and Industry-leading safe staffing agreements that will help ensure patient safety and quality of care.
The CWA ratified a total of six contracts covering over 2,500 workers across Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, Kenmore Mercy Hospital, and Sisters of Charity Hospital-St. Joseph Campus, following a historic five-week strike.
“Going on strike was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but my coworkers and I did it because we owed it to our patients,” said Jennifer Williams, charge nurse at Mercy Hospital. “We knew that if we stuck together in our union family, it was possible to win a contract that treats both healthcare heroes and our patients fairly. We stood strong in our demands because we knew we were standing up for our patients and the kind of care they deserve from us, and we know it was the right thing to do because, throughout this entire strike, we have seen nothing but steadfast support from our patients, community, elected officials and union brothers and sisters across the state and country. I want to thank everyone who joined us on the picket line and supported us in a myriad of other ways.”
The workers at Mercy Hospital will begin returning to work on Wednesday.
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