After a near-unanimous vote to authorize a strike on November 21, members of 1199SEIU & 200United and the University of Rochester Medical Center have returned to the bargaining table to discuss a new contract.

Union members are demanding a fair living wage, improved staffing and quality benefits. The unions representing those workers say it's the difference that could lift low-wage earners out of poverty.

The collective bargaining agreement between the University of Rochester Medical Center, 1199SEIU and SEIU Local 200United expired on Oct. 31. Union workers at URMC and Strong Memorial Hospital hosted an informational picket last week after more than two dozen bargaining sessions were unsuccessful.

"Working short in our department causes a lot of tension, because we can’t do our jobs providing the quality care we want to give," said Arleata Robin White, patient care technician at Strong Hospital.

The union employees include nursing assistants and patient care technicians as well as food service workers, truck drivers and many more. According to union officials, the employees earn considerably less than the livable wage in Monroe County, which is just over $19 an hour.

"I’m proud to stand with members of 1199SEIU & 200United as negotiations continue toward a fair contract," Sen. Samra Brouk said in a statement. "These workers are an essential component of healthcare in this region. We all have a vested interest in avoiding a strike, and I encourage all parties to continue negotiating in good faith."

The University of Rochester released a statement Tuesday evening, saying:

"The University of Rochester has been negotiating in good faith since late August with union representatives from 1199SEIU and 200United SEIU for a multi-year contract renewal that is competitive, fair, and equitable.  On Nov. 21, the 1199SEIU and 200United SEIU bargaining units held a strike vote, which passed, although the University has not received an intent to strike notice—a required 10-day advance notice of an intended strike. The University will continue to bargain in good faith towards a new contract and we remain optimistic that we can reach agreement on a renewal.

As of today, University operations will continue as usual with staff reporting for work and performing their normal job duties. Should a strike occur, University of Rochester operations, including patient care at the Medical Center, will continue without disruption through the implementation of our contingency plans that will allow essential teaching, research and patient care activities to proceed. University officials are confident that in the event of a prolonged strike, campus operations will continue as normal without interruption, however they are always willing and prepared to meet at the bargaining table to continue to negotiate a fair and equitable contract. The University recognizes and respects 1199SEIU and 200United SEIU’s right to engage in a strike, which is a legally protected union activity."