McClellan RNs now protected by Nurses Association contract

SCHENECTADY, Sept. 15, 2009 – The workplace rights of 80 registered nurses at Ellis Hospital’s McClellan Street Campus are now protected by a collective bargaining agreement.

Last week, the RNs approved an agreement that brings the McClellan RNs under the same New York State Nurses Association contract as the 400 RNs at the hospital’s Nott Street Campus.

“This agreement officially cements McClellan RNs’ rights,” said Jeff Schioppa, Nurses Association organizer.

Provisions of the new agreement:

Layoff protections will be improved for all Ellis RNs who are covered by the contract through its expiration on Feb. 28, 2010. During this period, no RNs hired prior to and during the Ellis/St. Clare’s merger on June 17, 2008, will be laid off unless the hospital closes.
Layoffs at the Family Health Center will be delayed until Jan. 1, 2011. Family Health Center RNs who have not found another position by then will be given preference for positions at the Bellevue campus in Niskayuna over non-Ellis applicants.
Family and pediatric health center RNs will receive salary increases or lump-sum payments to help balance any salary inequity.

“McClellan Campus nurses sought union representation last fall,” Schioppa said, “because of their desire to have a voice in the decisions that affect their own practice and their ability to care for their patients. Ratification of this agreement represents a crucial first step toward this goal.”

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.

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