(LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK) – Results are being awaited as 900 New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA)-represented Nurses who are employed at South Shore University Hospital/Northwell on Long Island began voting on whether or not to authorize a Strike.

South Shore Nurses have been fighting for a fair contract since November to win safe staffing, improved wages and benefits that will help recruit and retain Nurses - and a voice in patient care, Union Officials said.

The Nurses’ contract expires on Friday (February 28th), but instead of bargaining with Nurses, Northwell executives walked away from the table on Friday, February 14th.

Northwell can afford to invest in a fair contract that helps recruit and retain enough Nurses for quality patient care, but are choosing not to, NYSNA said.

In 2023, Northwell’s President and CEO Michael Dowling raked in more than $9 million in salary, benefits and perks and the hospital system is projected to spend $530 million to expand the South Shore Campus and is in the middle of purchasing Connecticut-based Nuvance Health.

As one of the largest employers on Long Island, Northwell can afford to invest in their Nurses and patients, the Union said.  

While striking is always a last resort, Nurses are tired of Northwell’s behavior and management prioritizing profits above patient care and the Unionized Nurses are ready to do whatever it takes to win a fair contract.

South Shore Nurses have been getting ready by taking Strike Preparedness Training with NYSNA’s Labor Education Department, with 100 Nurses attending training last week.

They’ve also gathered support from other Unions, Elected Officials and community members.

In a letter of solidarity sent to Northwell, 20 Long Island Labor Unions called on Northwell to bargain a fair contract with Nurses.

South Shore Nurses are also sharing a community petition and asking community members to sign on in solidarity with the Long Island Nurses.

Meanwhile, South Shore Nurses are joining other NYSNA-represented Nurses on Long Island who are actively bargaining for new contracts, including Nurses at Northwell Huntington Hospital and Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, some of the newest NYSNA Members.

More than 2,500 Nurses employed at the three hospitals are united for quality care for all Long Island patients, NYSNA said.  

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: NYSNA Update: February 21, 2025 | New York State Nurses Association

Photo Courtesy Of NYSNA.