Ratified agreement provides for an average wage increase of approximately 15% over the five-year term
BUFFALO, NY— Erie County Medical Center Corporation (ECMC) and AFSCME Local 1095 are pleased to announce that AFSCME’s membership has overwhelmingly ratified a new five-year collective bargaining agreement following a formal vote conducted on March 23, 2026. The agreement was approved by a vote of 444 in favor and 83 opposed, including 240 AFSCME members at ECMC voting in favor and 22 opposed, reflecting strong support from the membership.
This successor agreement is the result of extensive and diligent negotiations between AFSCME Local 1095 and ECMC, which began in December 2025. Over the course of multiple negotiation sessions, both parties engaged in thorough discussions aimed at reaching a fair and sustainable agreement that recognizes the contributions of the workforce while addressing the fiscal realities facing public sector employers.
AFSCME Local 1095 President Rich Canazzi said, “This agreement reflects the hard work, unity, and resilience of our membership, as well as the dedication of our negotiating committee. In a challenging economic environment, securing meaningful wage increases without concessions is a significant achievement. We remain committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of our members.
Thomas J. Quatroche Jr., PhD, CEO, ECMC said, “The successful ratification of this agreement reflects the fair and mutually respectful negotiation process between both parties. AFSCME members do important work at ECMC supporting our clinicians and taking care of patients at the hospital and Terrace View. This contract reflects that contribution.”
The ratified agreement provides for an average wage increase of approximately 15% over the five-year term. Importantly, the agreement maintains the integrity of existing contractual protections, with no concessions made by the membership. It also incorporates previously negotiated memoranda of agreement, ensuring continuity and stability in the terms and conditions of employment.
About AFSCME: AFSCME’s 1.4 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in communities across the nation, serving in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, childcare providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all working families.
About the Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) Corporation: The ECMC Corporation was established as a New York State Public Benefit Corporation and since 2004 has included an advanced academic medical center with 573 inpatient beds, on- and off-campus health centers, more than 30 outpatient specialty care services and Terrace View, a 390-bed long-term care facility. ECMC is Western New York’s only Level 1 Adult Trauma Center, as well as a regional center for burn care, behavioral health services, transplantation, medical oncology and head & neck cancer care, rehabilitation, and a major teaching facility for the University at Buffalo. Most ECMC physicians, dentists and pharmacists are dedicated faculty members of the university and/or members of a private practice plan. More Western New York residents are choosing ECMC for exceptional patient care and patient experiences.