Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Associations representing skilled nursing facilities in Illinois have reached labor peace – at least for now – as they work toward some possible reforms.

According to a statement from the Illinois Association of Health Care Facilities and Service Employees International Union, the two sides have reached an agreement on a contract through the help of the Health Care Council of Illinois.

If ratified by rank-and-file workers, the contract goes through August 31, 2029, but that “the parties agreed to reopen negotiations on wages, paid time off, health, pension, and other benefits, effective Sept. 1, 2027,” the statement said.

As part of the deal, SEIU is expected to withdraw its support of one piece of legislation, while discussions will continue on another. Both sides are expected to support a Medicaid rate increase amendment, with 35 percent of the net new total of payments going toward wages and staffing levels.

“This agreement is a testament to the power of collective bargaining and the importance of working together to achieve common goals,” said Greg Kelley, President SEIU Healthcare Illinois, in the statement. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with IAHCF and HCCI to advocate for the needs of our members and the communities they serve.”

Reauthorization of the IAHCF and collaboration to address various issues were also supported.

“We are proud to have reached an agreement that not only secures fair wages and benefits for our dedicated healthcare workers but also sets the stage for continued collaboration to address longstanding, underlying fiscal deficits and workforce shortages confronting the industry,” said Jonathan Aaron, HCCI board president and authorized representative ofvIAHCF, in the statement.

The previous labor deal was set to expire this year.