(NEW YORK CITY) - New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA)-represented Nurses employed at Mount Sinai’s New York Eye and Ear Infirmary have ratified a new contract that improves staffing enforcement in the event of critical staffing adjustments and staffing violations, which had been a growing concern at Sinai Eye and Ear because of increasing Nurse turnover.  

The agreement also puts Sinai Eye and Ear Nurses on the path to pay parity with other Mount Sinai Nurses in New York City, Union Representatives said.

Their wage increases followed the pattern set in January 2023 by other NYSNA New York City Private Sector Nurses, with annual increases of 7,6, and 5% each year of the three-year contract.

Nurses also won additional experience pay to aid Nurse retention at the facility. 

"This contract is a pathway to continued quality care at Eye and Ear,” said Local Bargaining Unit President and Sinai Eye and Ear Nurse John Paul Montemayor. “Getting closer to pay parity with other Mount Sinai facilities will help us retain Nurses and the improved layoff language will give Nurses security as we stay and fight for the future of the specialty care we provide to the downtown community and beyond.”  

The NYSNA Nurses also protected their retirement and health care benefits and won reduced costs for their health care, said Union Officials, who added Nurses also won better layoff and terminal benefit language in the event of a layoff, relocation of services, elimination of services or closures - an ongoing concern at Sinai Eye and Ear.  

NYSNA President Nancy Hagans said: “No matter where you work or what your specialty, all Nurses deserve fair pay, family-sustaining benefits, and a voice in patient care.  I’m proud of Mount Sinai Eye and Ear nurses for speaking out and winning a great new contract for Nurses and patients.”  

Meanwhile, Mount Sinai has not revealed their long-term plan for New York Eye and Ear and administrators seem to be moving forward with their planned closure of nearby Beth Israel Hospital, despite community opposition.

Nurses at Eye and Ear vowed to continue the fight to save essential and specialty health care services for the downtown community.  

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

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

To Read This Labor News Report In Its Entirety, Go To: Mount Sinai’s New York Eye and Ear Infirmary Nurses Win Contract With 100% of Members Voting Yes | New York State Nurses Association (nysna.org)