Cayuga Nursing and Rehabilitation Center workers demand a better contract, owner demands accountability

Workers gathered to protest on the lawn of the Cayuga Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Ithaca over issues with the new contract.

Demands range from better wages to accountability, and concerns are coming from all sides: nurses and administration. This is causing a standstill for negotiating a contract.

The protest was organized by Emmanuel White, representative for 1199SEIU, United Healthcare Workers East union.

He claims that management has gone as far as trying to cut their employees health insurance during the pandemic.

“Management has come to the table and proposed very concessionary proposals, cuts to their health insurance. How could you in the midst of a pandemic?” said White.

Management responded by saying “As the union indicated, they want a contract without concessions and to make sure staff show up to work, we need the union to concede to additional clauses about accountability.”

Both sides are expected to meet again Sept. 29.

Staff Report

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