Picket lines went up outside the Delaware Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at Delaware and Utica in Buffalo Thursday. Dozens of workers carried signs and chanted slogans protesting concessions being sought by the facility's new owner.Todd Hobler is Vice President of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers, which represents about 160 employees.
"The nursing home here was purchased recently by a downstate, for-profit nursing home operator who has come to the contract negotiation table demanding cuts in health insurance, pension, and paid time off. Our folks who work here can't afford it," Hobler says.
Workers have been without a contract for three years. Hobler says another round of talks is set for early April. If there is no settlement, he says a strike is possible.
In a written statement Delaware Nursing and Rebilitation said it will work with its valued employees to continue the facility's tradition of caring.