CSEA urges ECMC to find a solution for laid-off workers amid nearly $1 million in leadership pay increases

BUFFALO NY (10/26/2026) (readMedia)-- CSEA is calling on Erie County Medical Center Corporation (ECMCC) leadership and its Board of Directors to explain why the combined annual pay rates for 20 leaders increased by nearly $1 million from 2024 to 2025 while 42 CSEA members were laid off.

The figures are annual rates of pay reported in SeeThroughNY; they do not represent total pay received. According to CSEA, 14 of the 42 laid-off members had bumping rights, and one returned to previous county employment.

"There are no words to accurately describe how I felt when the SeeThroughNY figures were released, knowing our CSEA members were laid off while ECMC leadership received raises," said Michele Bollman, CSEA Erie County Unit President.

CSEA is asking ECMC to explain how the pay increases were approved, what alternatives were considered, and how the organization can work with the union on a plan to return affected members who remain out of work.

CSEA worked with legislative allies, including Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes and State Senator April Baskin, to help secure state funding through the Vital Access Provider Assurance Program (VAPAP), which helped stabilize ECMC. After that funding expired in January 2026, ECMC proceeded with layoffs.

"Our members were told ECMC had to make difficult financial choices, and then the layoffs began," said Ebony Rose, CSEA ECMC Section President. "The community deserves answers, but we want a real solution. We're asking ECMC to work with us on a serious plan to bring back members who remain out of work."

"ECMC has a responsibility to explain decisions that affect its workforce and the community it serves," said Steve Healy, CSEA Western Region President. "The community deserves a clear accounting of these pay increases, and an explanation of what alternatives were considered as members were laid off."

Rose is scheduled to meet with ECMC's CEO on October 28.

CSEA will also file a Freedom of Information Law request for records related to approval of the pay increases.

CSEA is seeking a clear accounting of the compensation decisions and a workable plan to return members who remain out of work.