Ciena Workers Win New Contracts at Four More Nursing Homes

Over 100 Ciena workers at Omni, Waterford, Freemont, and Regency Heights won new contracts thanks to strong union membership. All new Ciena contracts include expanded Union rights moving past the ‘open shop’ provisions in which workers could opt out of membership and paying dues but receive the same benefits and representation as Union members; improved visitation for Union reps; new employee Union orientation; and more regular access to information to improve representation.

For CNAs and restorative CNAs: rewarding years of certification experience will help ease turnover and improve recruitment. They will start at $17.50/hr and can earn up to $22.00/hr starting rates based on 10 years of continual certification. Cooks will start at $16.00/hr + Activities Aides, Dietary Aides, Housekeeping Aides, Laundry Aides, and Receptionists will now earn $15.00/hr starting.

“Bargaining for this contract was an impactful experience because we feel that Ciena is now understanding what workers are going through. We used this opportunity to bring our concerns to the table, especially the need to raise wages in order to retain workers. The workers who organized and sent strike notices before us paved the way for this victory,” said Charles Sloan, CNA at Omni Continuing Care.

Chelsea Contract Raises Wages and Increases Benefits

Chelsea workers were excited to ratify a contract that increases wages, adds benefits, and improves workplace conditions. Workers won Martin Luther King Day as a holiday, an additional holiday on their birthday, and added to their PTO. Workers also reformed the attendance policy to be less punitive and more supportive of the lives of workers.

Nexcare Lakepointe Workers Win Contract with Higher Wages and Union Protections

Workers are celebrating a victory at Lakepointe where over 75% of workers will receive an increase of 18.8% or better over the three-year contract. The contract includes expanded Union rights moving past the ‘open shop’ provisions in which workers could opt out of membership and paying dues but receive the same benefits and representation as Union members, gives organizers access to new employee orientations, improves preceptor pay and overtime/holiday pay, and makes dental and vision insurance more affordable.

“We are very happy about our contract which includes wage increases, bonuses for picking up shifts, and shift differentials. The Union difference is that it protects us and gives us a voice on the job,” said Georgina Saburo, CNA at Lakepointe for over 22 years.

Lodge at Taylor Workers Reach Milestone Tentative Agreement

Workers have reached a tentative agreement with Lodge at Taylor that will create contract language that will serve as a framework for all future Medilodge negotiations.