ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Workers at the Pearl Nursing Center, along with community advocates and elected officials, gathered on Portland Avenue to express their concerns over staffing levels, pay, benefits, and working conditions. The union contract for more than 80 workers expired nearly nine months ago, and 1199SEIU members said negotiations have stalled.
“We want to have safe staffing and fair wages so that folks don’t have to be stuck in poverty wages,” demonstrators said.
Burgess said, “These are the people who are keeping this place afloat. It’s time to invest back in them and support them.”
“We urge the employer to come to the table, bargain in good faith, and give these employees what they deserve,” said officials.
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services rates the Pearl Nursing Center as a one-star facility, meaning the quality of care is rated “much below average” compared with other facilities. The New York State Department of Health is reviewing a certificate of need filed by a Brooklyn-based care group to take over operations of the Rochester nursing home.
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