Nyack nurses: “Whatever it takes, for as long as it takes”

Management still refuses to listen, RNs to picket for 3rd time July 27

NYACK, NY, July 22, 2010 – Registered nurses who are members of the New York State Nurses Association have a motto to express their approach to contract negotiations: “Whatever it takes for as long as it takes.”

At Nyack Hospital, this means that nurses will continue their fight for a fair contract, no matter what. After hospital management still refused to listen to nurses’ concerns during negotiations this past week, the nurses served notice that they will conduct yet another public protest.

The nurses will be picketing for a third time on Tuesday, July 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in front of the hospital’s entrance on North Highland Avenue (Route 9W) between 5th and Sickles avenues.

Management is still demanding givebacks in the RNs’ health insurance before it will discuss any patient care issues. 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.

“Everything we’re asking for is reasonable,” said Anna Marie Perkins, RN, bargaining unit president. “We’re not asking for anything outlandish. We just want to be able to create conditions that will help recruit and retain the best nurses to enable us to provide the best care possible.”

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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