23-04-2025
Union Healthcare workers at Guthrie Corning Hospital vote to hold informational picket
CORNING, N.Y. (WETM) – Union healthcare workers at Guthrie Corning Hospital are set to participate in an informational picket to demand improved staffing levels and affordable healthcare, as the current labor deal is set to expire at the end of the month.
In a release from 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the union representing the healthcare workers, the union states that its members voted on Monday, April 21, to authorize an informational picket if a new contract agreement is not made. This comes as the current three-year labor deal that covers the more than 450 union healthcare workers at Guthrie Corning Hospital is set to expire on April 30.
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The union noted that contract talks between Guthrie Corning Hospital and the union have been in progress since mid-March. Bargaining between both entities resumed on Wednesday, April 23, at 7 a.m. at the hospital and will continue on Thursday, April 24. The bargaining committee, led by members of the union, will determine when to issue a 10-day notice to hospital management.
The release states that healthcare workers at the hospital are picketing as a means to fight for improved staffing levels, quality and affordable health insurance coverage, benefits and competitive wages to help keep and recruit more workers.
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'Management's proposals must take into account sacrifices workers continue to make everyday,' said Kathy Ville, 1199SEIU Administrative Organizer. 'Management's proposed changes will result in high health insurance deductibles and copays that many workers can not afford. Healthcare workers are exposed to more on the job and need quality health insurance so they can take care of themselves,' said Ville.
Healthcare workers are permitted to participate in picketing during their break/lunch or before/after work.
'We are working very hard to get a new contract,' said Peggy Clarkson, Emergency Room Unit Clerk. 'Corning Hospital must provide recognition for employees who continue to provide the quality care our community needs. They must also offer better wages to stop the bleeding off of our staff who leave to go elsewhere for higher pay, to help with staffing levels we face daily. Many of us feel underappreciated,' said Clarkson.
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