Joshua Bennett
Catholic Health in Buffalo, New York, is a non-profit healthcare system that includes hospitals, nursing homes, and physician practices. It has been involved in several disputes with unions, including the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the CWA Union. In 2024, about 2,500 union workers at Catholic Health went on strike for 35 days, resulting in a new four-year contract being ratified. Another strike began on October 1, 2021, at Mercy Hospital in South Buffalo, with a tentative four-year contract agreement reached between Catholic Health and the CWA.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of union workers at Catholic Health System | 2,500 |
| Number of workers on strike | 2,000 |
| Union | Communications Workers of America (CWA) |
| Hospitals | Mercy Hospital, Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Sisters of Charity Hospital-St. Joseph Campus |
| Union workers' demands | Market-competitive wages, increased staffing |
| Catholic Health's response | Accused union workers of brutish behavior, spent tens of millions of dollars on replacement workers |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Catholic Health workers' strike at Mercy Hospital
On October 1, 2021, nearly 2,000 healthcare workers at Catholic Health's Mercy Hospital in Buffalo, New York, went on strike. The workers, members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1133, included nurses, techs, transport staff, environmental workers, and dietary workers. They were joined by thousands of supporters, including coworkers, community members, faith leaders, and elected officials.
The strike was called after the union and Catholic Health failed to reach an agreement on new labor contracts. The union demanded guaranteed increased staff, improved compensation, and better equipment, citing concerns about staffing shortages and patient care. They also wanted to see patient care prioritized in the contracts. In their open letter, the workers wrote that they were "terrified of needless patient deaths" due to the staffing shortage. Catholic Health, meanwhile, presented a $33 million economic package and a contract offer that included a $20 million investment in staffing.
During the 35-day strike, Catholic Health spent tens of millions of dollars on replacement workers to keep the hospital operating at one-third of its normal patient volume. Union workers went without paychecks or strike benefits for the first two weeks and spent over a month away from patients. On November 1, Catholic Health cut the health insurance of the striking workers.
The strike ended after the union workers ratified new labor contracts with Catholic Health. On November 1, 94% of union members approved the new contracts, which included a contract staffing model outlining specific patient ratios for nurses and support staff. The next day, the 2,000 workers who had been on strike began returning to work at Mercy Hospital.
Following the strike, both sides worked to repair their relationship and boost worker morale. "Our healing process will take time as the emotions of the past weeks begin to subside," said Catholic Health President and CEO Mark Sullivan. Debora Hayes, CWA area director, emphasized the importance of ensuring that union employees feel heard and respected in their work.
All Souls' Day: Catholic Holiday or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Catholic Health's relationship with the Communications Workers of America (CWA)
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) is a union that represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, healthcare, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, and other fields. CWA members at Catholic Health have been involved in a number of disputes and strikes over the years, with the most recent one ending in August 2024.
In June 2021, CWA officials in Buffalo were upset over the Catholic Health System's (CHS) decision to switch the jobs of at least 11 union-represented workers to their local non-union call center. The non-union call center was now responsible for issuing important patient information and pre-doctor visit instructions. CWA officials charged that their members were being instructed to "fix countless mistakes" made by the inexperienced non-union workers, placing the health and safety of patients and the Western New York community in jeopardy. More than 100 CWA members protested outside the Health Care System's Downtown Buffalo Headquarters.
In October 2023, about 2,500 union workers at Catholic Health System went on a 35-day strike, demanding safe staffing, competitive wages, and no concessions on benefits. The strike ended after the workers overwhelmingly ratified new four-year contracts, with 94% voting in favor. This contract included across-the-board wage increases with no worker starting below $15/hour, a breakthrough in staffing ratios, and no concessions on health care and pension plans.
Following the strike, both Catholic Health and the CWA agreed to work on improving their relationship. Catholic Health President and CEO Mark Sullivan acknowledged that the healing process would take time as the emotions from the dispute subsided. CWA area director Debora Hayes emphasized the importance of ensuring that union employees feel heard and respected in their workplace. The contract's staffing model, which outlines specific patient ratios for nurses and support staff, was seen as a positive step towards better care and improved working conditions.
Overall, the relationship between Catholic Health and the Communications Workers of America (CWA) has been contentious at times, with disputes over working conditions, wages, and patient safety. However, through negotiations and strikes, the union has been able to secure better contracts and working conditions for its members at Catholic Health.
Catholic Monks: Their Daily Lives and Practices
You may want to see also
Explore related products
CWA's advertising campaign against Catholic Health
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) launched an advertising campaign against Catholic Health, which included radio and mobile billboard ads that claimed short staffing at Catholic Health hospitals. The campaign followed a summer of contract negotiations, with the union indicating its willingness to strike if needed.
The CWA's campaign also included a "practice picket" at Catholic Health's St. Joseph Campus in Cheektowaga, New York. This action was seen as an attempt to gain leverage during bargaining negotiations by portraying a negative image of the health system to the community.
The dispute between the CWA and Catholic Health has a history of contentious tactics, with the union accusing Catholic Health of eliminating unionized positions at its Western New York facilities and contracting the work to a non-union subsidiary. This led to protests outside Catholic Health's headquarters, with union members expressing their concerns about the impact on patient care and safety.
The CWA's advertising campaign is part of an ongoing feud between the union and Catholic Health, with both sides employing various strategies to assert their positions. The union has emphasized the need for their voices to be heard and their work to be respected, while Catholic Health has defended its actions, stating that it has addressed staffing issues and remains committed to providing quality healthcare services.
The CWA's campaign against Catholic Health has involved multiple strategies, including radio and billboard advertisements, picketing, and protests. The union has leveraged media platforms to spread their message and exert pressure on Catholic Health, aiming to influence public perception and gain leverage in contract negotiations. The campaign has escalated the feud between the two parties, with Catholic Health accusing the union of painting a negative picture of the health system.
Exploring the Catholic Faith: Mary's Role
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Catholic Health's elimination of unionized positions
Catholic Health's decision to eliminate unionized positions at its Western New York facilities and outsource the work to a non-union subsidiary has been met with fierce opposition from union workers and officials. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) accused Catholic Health of employing anti-union tactics and endangering patient care with inexperienced non-union workers.
In June 2021, Catholic Health decided to switch the jobs of at least 11 union-represented workers to their local non-union call center, responsible for issuing important patient information and pre-doctor visit instructions. CWA officials charged that their members were being instructed to fix the countless mistakes made by the non-union workers, placing the health and safety of patients in jeopardy. More than 100 CWA members protested outside the Health Care System's Downtown Buffalo Headquarters, expressing their outrage and demanding action from Catholic Health President Mark Sullivan.
The dispute between Catholic Health and the CWA also led to a 35-day strike by about 2,500 union workers at Mercy Hospital in South Buffalo. The strike concluded after the workers ratified new labor contracts, agreeing to end the walkout and resume patient care. However, the relationship between Catholic Health and its union workers remains strained, with reports of a tense negotiation process and lingering distrust.
Catholic Health has defended its actions, denying allegations of union-busting and insisting that they respect the right of workers to seek union representation. They have also attributed workforce reductions to changing healthcare delivery models and inadequate reimbursement, claiming that these issues are affecting healthcare providers across the country. In 2019, Catholic Health announced it was cutting 200 positions from its workforce, with some layoffs but mostly through voluntary buyouts.
The elimination of unionized positions by Catholic Health has significant implications for labor relations and patient care in Western New York. While Catholic Health maintains that their decisions are necessary to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape, union workers and officials strongly disagree, arguing that the well-being and health of patients are being compromised.
Pancake Tuesday: A Catholic Tradition Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$16.66
Tentative agreement between CWA and Catholic Health
Catholic Health and the Communications Workers of America (CWA) union have reached a tentative agreement on new labor contracts, ending a month-long strike that affected services at Mercy Hospital in South Buffalo. The agreement covers six labor contracts across three hospitals: Mercy Hospital, Kenmore Mercy Hospital, and Sisters of Charity Hospital, St. Joseph Campus.
The agreement includes wage increases each year, with an average registered nurse wage increase of 6.3% in the first year, and an 8.4% increase for service, technical, and clerical staff, applied retroactively to June. General wage increases will follow: 2% effective June 2022, 2.5% in June 2023, and 2.75% in June 2024. Additionally, no worker will start below $15 an hour.
The agreement also addresses staffing concerns, with Catholic Health agreeing to reallocate resources to meet the staffing ratios sought by the CWA. The CWA has praised the agreement, with Area Director Debora Hayes stating that the staffing ratios "are some of the strongest in the country and can serve as a model for other hospitals."
Union members will review and vote on the agreement, which is expected to set a precedent for future healthcare labor discussions in the region. If the contracts are ratified, hundreds of workers will be hired, and those who participated in the strike will return to work. The relationship between Catholic Health and the union workers will need to be repaired, with both sides having made contentious statements and accusations during the negotiations.
Stock Market and Usury: A Catholic Perspective
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Catholic Health Buffalo is a non-profit healthcare system that has been involved in several disputes with unions, such as the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
In 2024, about 2,500 union workers at Catholic Health System went on a 35-day strike, causing Catholic Health to spend tens of millions of dollars on replacement workers. The strike ended after the workers ratified new four-year contracts.
The strike ended after 94% of union members ratified new labor contracts with Catholic Health System.
Catholic Health accused the union of showing no urgency to reach a deal and criticised the striking workers of brutish behaviour. They also claimed that the union was responsible for fixing the mistakes of the non-union workers.
The CWA criticised Catholic Health's decision to eliminate unionised positions and outsource work to a non-union company, putting the health and safety of patients at risk. They also emphasised the need for their voices to be heard and their work to be respected.
