Buffalo, NY – Negotiations between three Catholic Health hospitals and Communications Workers of America (CWA), Locals 1133 and 1168, have gained positive momentum over the past month as representatives from Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, Kenmore Mercy Hospital, and Sisters of Charity Hospital, St. Joseph Campus continue to meet with the Union’s bargaining team.
With support from an impartial mediator, the Hospitals and the Union have exchanged several economic proposals in recent weeks as they work toward reaching tentative agreements for nearly 3,000 associates across the three facilities. The Hospitals presented their latest economic offers Wednesday afternoon as bargaining continues today.
While the Hospitals remain fully committed to reaching fair and equitable collective bargaining agreements, they do so at a time when healthcare providers are facing continued economic challenges. Recent reductions in federal Medicaid funding, rising operational costs, and declining reimbursement rates from private insurers are placing an additional strain on hospitals across the country.
Despite these challenges, Catholic Health remains firmly committed to recruiting and retaining skilled and compassionate associates to deliver the safe, high-quality care our communities depend on.
