Members of the union 1199SEIU at WMCHealth’s Rockland Pulmonary & Medical Associates have voted to ratify a first collective bargaining agreement with WMCHealth for the facility. The agreement gives the union members wage increases, a $1,000 ratification bonus, and established minimum rates across all job classifications. The new contract covers the next three years. It includes: a 3% retroactive wage increase to December 1, 2024; a 3% increase effective December 1, 2025; a 3% increase effective December 1, 2026; and a 3% increase effective December 1, 2027
A WMCHealth spokesperson told Westfair’s Westchester County Business Journal, “We are happy to have reached a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with 1199SEIU that recognizes the important work of our frontline caregivers, and look forward to working with our staff at Rockland Pulmonary & Medical Associates to continue to provide the best medical care for our patients.”
Workers at Rockland Pulmonary voted to join the union more than a year ago. They staged a one-day strike after alleging unfair labor practices.
Angela Lane, vice president for the Hudson Valley of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East said the new contract is “a testament to their value as health care professionals and to their unwavering commitment to solidarity and exceptional patient care, now and in the future.”
WMCHealth and HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston have marked the arrival of the first da Vinci robotic surgical system in Ulster County with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“By investing in this advanced technology, HealthAlliance Hospital continues to raise the bar for our region by bringing world-class care closer to home for our patients and our communities,” said Elissa Chessari, executive director and COO of the hospital.
The da Vinci robotic surgical system enables physicians to perform complex procedures with minimally invasive techniques that promote faster recovery and improved outcomes. At HealthAlliance Hospital, the system will be utilized in general surgery, urology, gynecology, thoracic surgery, surgical oncology, and colorectal surgery.
Elected officials praised the da Vinci installation.
“This cutting-edge technology means our friends and neighbors can access world-class care, particularly for complex surgical procedures, right here at home,” Congressman Pat Ryan said. “ No long trips, no added stress. It’s an investment in our community’s health and in the future of medicine in the Hudson Valley.”
Kingston’s Mayor Steven Noble said the city is “grateful to HealthAlliance for the continued investment in critical healthcare technology right here in our own backyard, for our residents and all those in the region who will benefit from this innovative medical device.”
