NEW YORK, Feb. 17, 2010 – In an effort to help stabilize the finances of St. Vincent Hospital in Manhattan, the New York State Nurses Association and 1199 SEIU have agreed to temporary wage reductions.
Members of each union have agreed to reduce wages by 10% across-the-board. In addition, all non-union, non-managerial employees at St. Vincent’s will also take a 10% pay cut. This move comes shortly after St. Vincent’s executives announced a pay cut of between 20% and 25%.
“A reduction in wages is admittedly difficult for any working family,” said Lorraine Seidel, RN, director of the New York State Nurses Association’s Economic and General Welfare Program. The Nurses Association represents 900 registered nurses at the facility. “But in this the case, Nurses Association members found this decision to be a necessary one in order to save the life of the institution. St. Vincent’s Catholic Medical Center is a vital part of this community and its essential services must be maintained. The Nurses Association is doing all it can to keep St. Vincent’s open, considering the loss to the community if it closes, and the real fact that hospitals are hiring fewer nurses.”
NYSNA is part of a task force that includes hospital management, Governor Paterson, the State Department of Health, lending partners GE Capital and TD Bank, 1199 SEIU, and local elected officials.
The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for nursing in the Empire State. With more than 37,000 members, it is the state's largest union and professional association for registered nurses. It supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.