Nyack nurses hold protest, then march into building

Upset that hospital management has yet to offer a fair contract

Related - Images: Nyack Hospital Protest, 22 June 2010
Related - Press Release: Nyack nurses to hold second protest June 21

NYACK, June 22, 2010 – A protest by NYSNA members at Nyack Hospital on June 21 extended into the building, as RNs marched from their informational picket to the hospital conference room to escort their negotiating team to the next session of contract talks.

The display of solidarity comes as the RNs are growing increasingly angered by management's continued refusal to address their concerns during negotiations. A few days earlier, a large group of RNs conducted a similar march on the office of Chief Executive Officer David Freed.

The nurses have been trying to address issues of quality care, recruiting and retaining RNs, and respecting nurses’ concerns about patient safety. But the hospital refuses to engage in meaningful discussions.

When negotiations began last fall, the hospital’s representatives contended publicly that they wanted to finish by Dec. 15. But across the table, they engaged in one stall tactic after another and demanded deep cuts in the nurses’ healthcare plan. Ten months and 24 sessions later, management has yet to offer the nurses a proposal that’s fair.

Management’s attitude has most certainly been evident at the bargaining table, as it demands givebacks in the RNs health insurance before it will discuss any patient care issues. Nyack RNs have already held one protest, on March 9, and pledged to hold as many as necessary until management offers them a fair contract.

“We’ve supported the hospital through its leanest days and have contributed to its improving situation,” said Anna Marie Perkins, RN, president of the bargaining unit. “We enjoy being a part of the Nyack team. We just want Nyack Hospital to show it shares our commitment.”

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 professional association and largest union for registered nurses. It supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.

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