Oneida nurses approve new contract

ONEIDA, Oct. 6, 2008 – Registered nurses at Oneida Healthcare Center approved a new three-year contract Friday that addresses their concerns about retaining experienced RNs. The 100 RNs are represented by the New York State Nurses Association.

A key issue during recent contract talks was that a change in the pension plan would drive veteran nurses to other hospitals and discourage new nurses from applying.

The contract addresses this by giving RNs hired before Jan. 1, 2008, the option of choosing to stay in the current defined-benefit plan or participating in the healthcare center’s new 403(b) plan. If they decide to switch, their vesting credit will transfer with them. In return for changes to the pension plan, the nurses won agreements on compensation, workplace safety and credit for benefit time.

The new contract runs through Dec. 31, 2010.

The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for nursing in the Empire State. With more than 36,000 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.

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