Crisis Services reaches tentative agreement

Earlier this month, the bargaining team at CWA Local 1122 reached a tentative agreement with Crisis Services, a multi-disciplinary, comprehensive crisis response center operating a round-the-clock mental health hotline in Erie County, N.Y. CWA members manage cases of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as manage crisis situations that involve self-harm. Their duties also include taking inbound emergency calls and determining the future risk of patients before returning them to their communities.

The bargaining committee, after polling members, determined the most critical issues for contract negotiations were wages and paid time off. Another major concern was work/life balance. The tentative agreement addresses these concerns with proposed raises each year of the three-year contract. Should the contract be ratified, members would also receive increases in shift differentials, bilingual pay, lead-staff pay, masters-level pay, and license reimbursement.

CWA Local 1122 President Tom Antonio, addressing members covered by this tentative agreement, said, “We will never be able to get the wages you deserve for the incredible work you do. But, in my opinion, we did a pretty good job.”

The bargaining team has held explanation sessions with members to answer questions ahead of the ratification vote set for October 2. The bargaining team recommends ratification.