Members of Brooks-TLC are pictured in this photo supplied by SEIU 1199.

More than 160 hospitals workers at Brooks-TLC Hospital System, Inc. in the Southern Tier are celebrating a one-year contract extension today. Their last union contract was set to expire on April 30. Union workers are represented by 1199 Service Employees International Union United Healthcare Workers East, the largest healthcare workers union in the country.

The one-year contract extension comes just as construction of the new Brooks-TLC hospital is set to begin in Fredonia.

The member-led bargaining committee only addressed wages to help recruit and retain experienced healthcare workers to provide care for patients. All prior contract language aside from wages and pension remains in effect.

“Our committee came together with one common goal and understanding of what we needed to do to keep our members moving forward. We were happy to reach a fair agreement for everyone,” said Tara Walrod, Surgical Technologist.

The new one-year labor deal includes a general wage increase of 3.75% for all union healthcare workers upon ratification. Surgical technicians and licensed practical nurses will get an additional raise of $2 per hour on their base rate. Lab assistants moved up a pay grade, while maintenance/security workers will get an additional $1.25 per hour on their base rate. Employer provided pension contributions increased from $1.15 to $1.18.

Union healthcare workers covered by the one-year contract at Brooks TLC Hospital System in Dunkirk include all job titles in Service & Maintenance and Technical Workers as well as Registered Nurses at the Gowanda Urgent Care Center.

The new and full contract is set to expire April 30, 2027.