BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Staff members are now on strike at five Western New York nursing homes.
According to 1199SEIU, staff members at the following facilities began a 7-day strike at 6 a.m. on Tuesday to protest unfair labor practices:
- Absolut Care of Gasport
- Elderwood at Lockport
- Elderwood at Williamsville
- Garden Gate Manor
- North Gate Manor
“We do the best we can with what we have,” said Christina Schindler, a certified nursing assistant at North Gate Manor in North Tonawanda. “It’s not fair. If we had enough staff, the residents would get the proper care they deserve."
At each location, workers held signs, chanted and waved to drivers honking in support — determined to send a message to nursing home operators they accuse of bargaining in bad faith.
“We have people’s lives in our hands,” said Sheila Nicholson, who works at Garden Gate Manor in Cheektowaga. “These are family members. All we’re asking for is a fair wage so we can give the care they deserve.”
According to union representatives, many of the facilities involved in the strike are among the lowest-paying in the region.
Union members with 1199SEIU, which represents the workers, said the strike is about more than just wages — it’s about dignity, safety and the ability to provide proper care for residents.
“They want to leave negotiations at the table,” said Shameka Burnette-Mathews, a union organizer. “But now they’re being forced to negotiate on the strike line.”
Multiple workers expressed frustration with what they see as mismanagement, saying they’ve been short-staffed for months and feel their concerns are being ignored.
“We don’t want to be out here,” said nursing assistant Keri Ayn Sykes. “But we need to be heard. We need to be seen.”
In a statement Tuesday, The McGuire Group — which owns three of the five facilities on strike — said it is “fully prepared and committed to maintaining the highest standards of care during this time.”
As of Monday evening, no new agreements had been reached. A union rep said The McGuire Group had a lead negotiator reach out to meet with 1199 SEIU on Friday at 9 a.m.
The union said picketing will continue each day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. through May 27.
On Friday, we reported that staff at 11 facilities were set to strike as of Tuesday morning. 1199SEIU said that since then, settlements have been reached at six facilities, and the strikes are only taking place at the five remaining facilities.
