Some 1,800 workers at Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center and the University of Rochester are voting to ratify a three-year contract Wednesday after a tentative agreement between both parties was reached last week.
Voting opened at 6 a.m. and will continue until 7 p.m.
The new tentative labor agreement comes after four months of intense negotiations, including 33 day-long bargaining sessions between 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, 200United SEIU and the University of Rochester Medical Center.
“I’m glad that URMC recognized that these patient caregivers and service workers are an essential part of its care team, and we believe that recognition is reflected in this agreement,” said Tracey Harrison, 1199SEIU vice president.
Contract talks between the two unions and management began late August. Union workers have been seeking a contract with the university that includes living wages and quality benefits.
Bedside caregivers and patient service workers at URMC’s Strong Memorial Hospital are represented by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. Service workers at UR’s River Campus are represented by SEIU Local 200 United.