(SMITHTOWN, NEW YORK) – Last week, more than 130 New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA)-represented Nurses, who are fighting for a fair contract at St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, marched on the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) carrying a banner with pictures of Nurses holding signs that read: “We’re ready to do whatever it takes to win a fair contract.”

NYSNA Union Leaders went inside the CFO’s office to demand progress in contract negotiations, while Nurses, their children and allies chanted outside the CFO’s office.

On the heels of contract victories at other Catholic Health System facilities, St. Joseph and St. Charles Hospital, the march was a reminder to management that Nurses are firm on their contract demands of safe staffing and the wages and benefits that are competitive with other Long Island hospitals.

Nurses began negotiations on May 30th, but management has been dragging their feet on safe staffing proposals, the central demand for Nurses at St. Catherine’s, NYSNA said.

Their contract is set to expire at the end of the month.

St. Catherine Nurses were at the forefront of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Long Island and saw the Smithtown Community through one of its toughest public health challenges.

The hospital currently has more than 100 Nurse vacancies and Nurses are fighting for a contract that will retain and recruit enough Nurses for safe patient care.

Registered Nurse Tammy Miller, who serves as NYSNA Union President at St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, said: “Nurses have made it clear we’re ready to do whatever it takes for patient safety and a fair contract.  We marched because we need safe staffing levels and improved wages and benefits to stop the hemorrhage of Nurses leaving our hospital.  Nurses want to serve in this community, but they need a reason to stay.  We need a fair contract!”

NYSNA, which represents more than 42,000 Members across the State, is New York’s largest Union and Professional Association for Registered Nurses.

NYSNA is an affiliate of National Nurses United, the country's largest and fastest-growing Union and Professional Association of Registered Nurses, with more than 225,000 Members nationwide.

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: NYSNA Nurses at St. Catherine of Siena Hospital March on CFO to Demand a Fair Contract | New York State Nurses Association