(NEW YORK CITY) - Nurses represented by the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) at Gracie Square Hospital, which is part of the NewYork-Presbyterian Health System and one of the few dedicated Psychiatric Hospitals in New York City, reached a tentative agreement earlier this week after spending five months at the bargaining table.

The tentative agreement addresses two of the most important demands for Nurses: Safe staffing and respectful wages, Union Officials said.

The salary gains at Gracie, if ratified by a majority of its members this week, would be on par with recent agreements at other NewYork-Presbyterian Hospitals.

The agreement also includes the immediate hire of two additional Day and Night Shift Nurses to meet growing patient demand.

It also strengthens enforcement of Safe Staffing Ratios by establishing a grievance and arbitration process.

The agreement comes on the heels of an overwhelming yes vote - 95% - to authorize a Strike.

The vote sent a strong message to management that Nurses were ready to do whatever it takes to win a fair contract, NYSNA said.

After tallying the Strike Authorization Vote on Monday morning (September 11th), Nurses headed back to the table for a marathon all-night session, reaching an agreement in the early hours of Tuesday, September 12th.

The vote to ratify the contract will take place today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday).

NYSNA Executive Committee Member Jacqueline Battice, a Registered Nurse, said: “The NYSNA Executive Committee is pleased that Gracie Square reached a tentative agreement with the Union.  The process was long and taxing, but we stood strong and fought for what we know we and our patients deserve.  Our commitment to providing quality care to the most vulnerable population never wavered during this process.  Winning a contract that addresses staffing concerns is just one step towards maintaining safety for ourselves and our patients.”

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

NYSNA is an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU) - 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 Gracie Square Hospital Reach Tentative Agreement | New York State Nurses Association

Photo Courtesy Of NYSNA’s Facebook Page.