Service workers at the University of Rochester including Strong Hospital have ratified new, three-year labor contracts. The union, SEIU, says the the employees "strongly approved" the new pacts on Thursday night.
Officials say the contracts continue health insurance fully paid by the employer, and establish a minimum wage of $15 per hour by 2017 for workers with five years of service. The contracts also contain a total of seven percent in wage increases over the life of the agreement.
Union officials say the contracts also contain increases in some other benefits such as training pay, and paid time for continuing education.
Contract language prohibiting workplace discrimination was also strengthened. Approximately 1700 UR staff members are covered by the two contracts.
