(WATERTOWN, NEW YORK) – New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA)-represented Nurses employed at the Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown have reached a tentative contract agreement, the Union announced.

Highlights of the agreement include maintenance of health and pension benefits for Nurses, protections against workplace violence and safeguards against Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, NYSNA said.

In early December, the NYSNA Nurses at Samaritan Hospital had called for Federal mediation after management failed to reach an agreement on a new contract.

Nurses have been bargaining for months and have been working without a contract since July 31st (2025).

Safe staffing and a real plan to recruit and retain enough Nurses for safe patient care and protecting health care benefits for Nurses who put their health and safety on the line to care for patients every day continue to be sticking points in the negotiations, NYSNA said at the time.

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: NYSNA Nurses at Samaritan Hospital Demand Fair Contract and Call for Federal Mediation as Contract Negotiations Slow Down | New York State Nurses Association