Staff Report / June 10, 2025
More than 100 unionized healthcare workers continue to press for a new contract after their previous agreement expired over a month ago. Represented by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the employees are seeking improved staffing, fairer wages, and better health benefits as negotiations with management remain unresolved.
The previous three-year contract ended on April 30. Since then, employees have worked without a renewed agreement while citing worsening conditions that affect both patient care and staff well-being. Workers claim the facility, which houses up to 120 residents, should be staffed by at least 100 personnel—but say only 60 are currently available. The resulting shortage has led to increased overtime and burnout.
“Our residents deserve more,” said Jane Dillon, a transportation coordinator at the facility. “Staff are overwhelmed, and the current situation is unsustainable. We’re doing everything we can, but it’s not enough without real investment in staffing and support.”
The Corning Center is operated by Centers Health Care, a New York-based network of nursing homes. The company has faced scrutiny in recent years. In January 2024, Centers Health Care agreed to a $45 million settlement with the New York State Attorney General’s Office after an investigation found that it allegedly siphoned public Medicaid funds while understaffing several of its facilities, including some in the Southern Tier.
Union officials say they are prepared to take further action if negotiations stall. Workers have authorized the issuance of a 10-day strike notice, a legal step that could lead to a walkout or informational picketing. A bargaining session is scheduled for Wednesday.
The union represents a broad coalition of employees, including certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, dietary aides, maintenance staff, housekeepers, rehab aides, and others essential to daily operations.
In a statement, 1199SEIU emphasized that safe staffing and fair compensation are not only labor issues but also critical components of quality elder care. “This is about dignity—for workers and residents alike,” a union spokesperson said. “We’re fighting for the future of caregiving in our community.”
No official comment has been released yet from Centers Health Care regarding the ongoing talks.
