(HUNTINGTON, NEW YORK) – Earlier this week, New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA)-represented Nurses employed at the Northwell Health/Huntington Hospital spoke out about safe staffing and their fight for a fair contract.

The Nurses, who officially joined NYSNA in November 2024, have been negotiating with Northwell Health management for a fair contract with Safe Staffing Standards, a plan to retain experienced Nurses and respectful wages and benefits for months.

The Hospital has stalled meeting Nurses’ demands and has failed to meet the March 31st deadline that Nurses made clear when they first started negotiations.

During a rally, NYSNA Nurses spoke out and demanded respect for patients, Nurses and the community, saying safe staffing is a major concern for Nurses at Northwell/Huntington Hospital.

As such, the Nurses are demanding an enforceable staffing grid be included in their contract, in addition to the staffing plans required by New York State’s Safe Staffing Law.

However, local Huntington Hospital Administrators have repeatedly refused to agree to the Nurses’ plans, citing pressure from Northwell Health Administration.

Safe staffing in the Emergency Room is particularly challenging, Nurses said.

As recently as June 2nd, Northwell/Huntington management said they budget for and plan to staff Units at the levels NYSNA Nurses demand, but they are not willing to write it down in an agreement.  

Registered Nurse Erin Gray said: “We are here because NYSNA Nurses want what is best for our community. They want patients to come to Northwell/Huntington and know they are getting the best care possible, from Nurses who have the time to ask important questions and address all of their needs. If Northwell Health wanted the same, management would agree to ratios that ensure there are enough Nurses to safely care for patients and that they aren’t spread thin. If Northwell wanted what was best for this community, it wouldn’t keep putting profits before patients. We will be out here sounding the alarm until we get what patients and this community deserve.”  

NYSNA President Nancy Hagans said: “NYSNA Nurses have shown their bravery and relentless energy for fighting for what they deserve. When they fought to join NYSNA, they showed their voice matters. Now they are fighting for their patients and demanding the hospital invest in safe patient care. NYSNA Nurses at Huntington should know they have all (42,000) NYSNA Nurses behind them in this fight.” 

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: NYSNA NURSES AT NORTHWELL/HUNTINGTON HOSPITAL HOLD INFORMATIONAL PICKET AND SPEAK OUT FOR SAFE STAFFING AND A FAIR CONTRACT | New York State Nurses Association

Photo Courtesy Of NYSNA’s Facebook Page.