NEW YORK NURSE: July/August 2009
The 24 RNs of this Manhattan hospice ratified an 18-month contract on July 2 that raises base pay 3% on July 1, 2009, and 1.5% on July 1, 2010. They also negotiated staffing guidelines that range from two RNs for 16 patients or fewer, to four RNs and an additional RN or LPN for 40 patients. Starting Dec. 1, 2010, the stipend for retiree health costs will increase from $3,500 to $4,000. The contract maintains NYSNA health and pension benefits. Pax Christi used to be part of Cabrini Medical Center, and this new contract is based on the prior Cabrini contract. The contract is retroactive to June 17, 2009, and runs through Dec. 31, 2010.
After a long struggle over staffing issues, the 962 RNs of this Brooklyn facility won stricter staffing enforcement provisions, ratifying a new contract on May 21. The contract improves RN-to-patient ratios and calls for weekly reporting to NYSNA about compliance with staffing guidelines. It also creates a new RN staffing committee that will meet monthly, comprised of a minimum of five staff RNs and five management RNs. The contract contains health benefits for retirees age 65 and older and improved health benefits for those ages 62 to 65. RNs will receive a 2% salary increase each year and improvements in vacation, holiday and sick leave. The 21-month contract is retroactive to March 15, 2009 and runs through Dec. 31, 2010.
The 166 RNs at the system’s facilities in the Bronx and Northern Manhattan ratified a new contract on July 14. Nurses will receive a 1% raise in January of 2010 and a 1.5% raise in July of 2010. There are also increases in charge pay. The nurses will continue to participate in the NYSNA pension plan. The contract also contains improvements in floating, use of agency nurses, and clarification of payroll statements. It also stipulates stronger involvement in the health and safety and other committees. The contract runs from April 1, 2009 to Dec. 31, 2010.