‘Strike Averted’ - More Than 900 NYSNA-Represented Northwell/South Shore University Hospital Nurses Reach Tentative Contract Agreement That ‘Defends’ Staffing Standards & Includes ‘Higher ‘Wages & Recruitment And ‘Retention Incentives’
(BAY SHORE, NEW YORK) - New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) Nurses employed at Northwell/South Shore University Hospital have reached a tentative contract agreement, averting a looming March 17th Strike.
The tentative agreement includes improvements to Safe Staffing Standards and stronger Safe Staffing enforcement, which are essential for quality patient care.
The agreement also adds Nurse staffing on Units with severe Safe Staffing issues, including the Emergency Department and Labor and Delivery, and makes improvements to guarantee break periods, Union Representatives said.
Notably, this is the first Nurses’ contract in New York State that specifically includes the ability for Nurses to review and make recommendations prior to and during the implementation of any Artificial Intelligence (AI) that could potentially impact Nurses.
The wage increases the Nurses won brings Northwell/South Shore Nurse pay up on par with other Long Island Nurse wages.
Over the three-year life of the contract, wage increases total between $18,000 to $20,000 over the life of the contract, and include annual pay increases, experience pay improvements for pension, and improvements to retiree health care.
Members began their ratification vote late last week.
NYSNA Local Union President JoAnne DeAntonio said: “We advocated for safer staffing levels, improved working conditions and fair wages to ensure that we can continue to deliver the high standard of care our patients deserve. And after months of fighting, we achieved what we set out to win. We’re glad that our voices were heard because we are not just fighting for ourselves. We are fighting for our patients, for our families and for the future of health care in our region.”
NYSNA President Nancy Hagans said: “After speaking out and taking a near unanimous Strike vote, Northwell/South Shore Nurses showed that they would stop at nothing to achieve a fair contract that protects quality care. NYSNA is proud our Members continually stand up against the wealthiest employers in the State and fight until they get what they and their patients deserve.”
To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: STRIKE AVERTED: NORTHWELL/SOUTH SHORE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL NURSES DECLARE VICTORY | New York State Nurses Association
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