(NIAGARA FALLS) - Members of two bargaining units represented by 1199 SEIU (Service Employee International Union) United Healthcare Workers East have approved a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Union officials announced today.

Balloting took place on Wednesday.  The ratified agreement covers 377 service and maintenance employees and 142 LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses) and technicians at the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, 1199 SEIU representatives said.  The three-year deal runs out in December 2012. 

Depending on their job title and length of service, Union representatives say covered employees will see annual wage increases ranging from 2% to 4% in the first year, and 2% to 3% in years two and three.

Meanwhile, Registered Nurses (RNs) at the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center voted down the proposal by a slim margin, Union officials said.  Negotiations between the two parties will resume after the holidays, 1199 SEIU representatives said.

1199 SEIU Healthcare Workers East - which represents more than 350,000 Health Care Workers throughout the states of New York, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. - is said to be the largest and fastest-growing Health Care Union in America.  Its mission is to achieve affordable, high quality Health Care for all.