CWA Catholic Health Strike Update: Day 5 (Evening)

Below is the latest from CWA-represented nurses, technical, service and clerical staff employed by Catholic Health System, who walked off the job Friday over a long-standing staffing crisis that they want to see alleviated in new contracts.

CWA & Catholic Health met today for first time since strike commenced

Addressing the media following bargaining, CWA Area Director Debora Hayes said:

“Our members want to return to work and care for their patients but not without addressing the understaffing crisis that plagued them for years. By agreeing to fixed staffing ratios, in accordance with state law, Catholic Health can assure workers that they are taking their concerns seriously. We remain committed to getting this done as long as it takes.”

Crystal Peoples-Stokes to Join Picket Line at 10AM Wednesday

State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes will join the picket line and speak in support of the CWA-represented nurses, technical, service and clerical staff employed by Catholic Health System at 10AM tomorrow. 

Low Wages Remain Key Issue in Bargaining

Today, The Buffalo News reported on the extremely low wages that service workers at Mercy Hospital make, in addition to dealing with staffing shortages.

Diane Peach, a service worker at Mercy Hospital told Buffalo News’ Jon Harris, “I do a good job. But then when I get my paycheck, I can barely pay or I have just enough to pay the bill, and then nothing left for me. That’s sad. I feel like we shouldn’t have to live like that or think like that, when you’re working in an environment like this.”

Jamie Kaye, a nine year service employee with Mercy Hospital said, “A lot of people leave because the pay is not strong enough, and they go to other departments within the hospital or even leave because it’s a lot. And then with the short staffing, it wears everybody down.”

New York Unions Join Picket Line & Show Solidarity

Earlier today, members of the New York State United Teachers & Buffalo Teachers Federation unions joined the picket line in solidarity with Catholic Health workers. Speaking with WGRZ, Buffalo Teachers Federation President Philip Rumore called for an audit of the top administrators of Catholic Health and their six figure salaries.