Source: WGRZ News
1199SEIU Members Ratify 3-Year Contract with BryLin Hospital
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 15, 2025
The new 3-year labor contract covering over 200 mental health workers includes improved sign on and expanded referral bonus to help recruit and retain workers, job upgrades, and added Juneteenth as a paid holiday
Buffalo, NY – Mental health workers at BryLin Hospital in Buffalo overwhelmingly voted to ratify a 3-year contract late last month. Workers are represented by 1199SEIU, United Healthcare Workers East, the largest healthcare workers union in the country.
The three-year agreement covering more than 200 mental health workers includes increased contributions towards health insurance, added Juneteenth as a holiday paid at time and half, and upgrades for certain job classifications. To help recruit and retain more workers the member led bargaining committee asked hospital management to expand sign on bonuses to include all shifts for Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) as well as increasing the amount of the bonus for Mental Health Technicians. The referral bonus has also been expanded to include all job titles.
Mental health workers will also get an additional general wage increase of 4% for each year of the contract, totaling 12%. The general wage increase is retroactive to July 1st. The contract was settled with no concessions.
“This is the best union contract I have seen since working here at BryLin. This contract will really attract qualified workers, but also retain current staff to help provide quality care and services to our patients,” said Dave Moore, 1199SEIU Delegate Chairperson and Maintenance Mechanic.
“Our agreement with 1199SEIU is an incredible step forward for BryLin,” said Eric Pleskow, CEO of BryLin Hospital. “It reflects our deep appreciation for the dedicated employees who make everything we do possible.”
1199SEIU members at BryLin Hospital work as Clinical Counselors, Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Pharmacy Technicians, Occupational Therapists, Mental Health Technicians, Licensed Mental Health Technicians, Lead Mental Health Technicians, Medical Records Clerk, Mechanic, Maintenance Assistant, Cook, Dietary Aide, Dietary Consultant, Facilities Services Technician, Environmental Services Aide, ECT Technician, Discharge Planner, Unit Clerks, Admissions Representatives, Customer Service Representative, COTA, and Art Therapists.
BryLin Hospital is a behavioral health facility that provides inpatient treatment services for children, adolescents, and adults.
The new labor deal runs through June 30, 2028.
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1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. We represent over 400,000 nurses and caregivers throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Our mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for all.
https://www.1199SEIU.org
About BryLin Hospital
Founded in 1955, BryLin Hospital is a leading private inpatient psychiatric hospital in Buffalo, NY, dedicated to providing high-quality crisis mental health care to children, adolescents, and adults in need. With a commitment to compassionate treatment and innovative care, BryLin Hospital continues to make a positive impact on the lives of patients, families and the community.
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