Members of the SEIU have been without a contract since September 22. One thousand workers cast their vote to allow union leaders to call for more actions. Of those thousand, only twelve voted against the proposal.

Union workers say they the University is planning to cut employee health and welfare benefits.

The University of Rochester released a statement is response to the Unions decision. It says in part:

We are deeply disappointed that SEIU/1199 and Local 200, the union that represents our service workers, has chosen to pursue a possible work stoppage rather than engage at the bargaining table.

Over the last few weeks, operations staff have been preparing for the possibility of a work stoppage. We are confident in our ability to continue providing uninterrupted service to our patients, students, faculty and staff should a work stoppage occur.

The National Labor Relations Act requires that unions that represent health care employees provide at least 10-days advanced notice before striking in a hospital setting. We have not yet received a 10-day notice.