New York State Nurses Association and 1199SEIU announce Solidarity Agreement

New York, April 20, 2009 –The New York State Nurses Association and 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East are pleased to announce that they have reached a Solidarity Agreement that will allow both organizations to focus on their respective missions and goals.

A report in the April 17 issue of Crain’s Health Pulse misrepresented the current relationship between the Nurses Association and 1199SEIU, as it was based on outdated information.

In a joint statement issued today, the unions said, “Now, more than ever, it is vitally important that we look past our differences and find new ways to build trust and support each other. We not only face great challenges, but we also have historic opportunities before us. The economic crisis has prompted massive healthcare budget cuts, many of our institutions are struggling, and we are still trying to solve an ongoing shortage of 13,000 bedside nurses in New York State. On the other hand, for the first time in many decades, there is the possibility of achieving real healthcare reform and fixing our broken labor laws that prevent healthcare workers from forming unions.”

The agreement calls for a new era of mutual respect between NYSNA and 1199SEIU, and includes a “no-raid” provision which will allow both organizations to focus their energy and resources into realizing their vision of advancing the nursing profession; advocating for families and our patients; and achieving affordable, quality healthcare for all.

The agreement further commits to exploring ways the two organizations might work together on issues impacting nurses in the State of New York.

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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