On agreeing to a new work contract, Local 1199 SEIU negotiating team members Greg Denny and Mike Wheeler, CHMC President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Webster, Local 1199 negotiating team member Larry Tombolillo, hospital Director of Human Resources Lou-Ann McNally and Employee Relations Manager Shawn Fournier posed for a photo.

OGDENSBURG -- Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center (CHMC) and its Service Employees International workers announced today that they have agreed on a three-year work contract.

The new contract includes a 2 percent wage increase in years one and two, and a 2.5 percent wage increase in the final year of the contract.

Each employee has the opportunity for an additional three quarters percent lump sum payment of the employee’s gross wages if certain organizational goals are met. The hospital will also increase its contribution to the pension plan.

“We appreciate the hospital’s willingness to work with us and listen to our requests for a contract that is fair to all employees,” said Larry Tombolillo, Local 1199 SEIU negotiating team member, after the membership ratified the contract.

“I am very pleased both sides were able to work together to draft a contract that benefits everyone,” said CHMC President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Webster.

Representatives began negotiating in June, meeting regularly to reach an agreement.

The union represents the hospital’s 255 service and maintenance employees, which includes dietary, environmental services, and maintenance workers, nursing attendants, and some clerical staff.

The new contract will be in effect August 1, 2012 through July 31, 2015.