Tentative agreement reached between Amherst, Tonawanda nursing home workers and employer

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A tentative one-year agreement has been reached between Amherst and Tonawanda nursing home workers and their employer, putting a halt on strikes intended for this week.

Around 170 workers at Williamsville Suburban and Safire of Northtowns negotiated with their employer for months since their last contract expired April 30.

Solomon Abramczyk, their employer, initially failed to sign off on an agreed deal due to the union's demands for "experience-based pay," according to a 1199SEIU representative.

“We are glad that we could reach a final agreement,” said Heather Benns, a licensed
practical nurse. “Experience pay is important ... If you have 30 years with that
certification or 10 years with that license, you bring a tremendous amount of
knowledge and experience to a nursing home."

Workers originally planned to hold a 24-hour strike Aug. 28 and filed an unfair labor practice charge, alleging their employer was bargaining in bad faith. Now that the agreement has been signed, they say the charge will be dropped.

Voting on the deal will occur at a later date.