CORTLAND COUNTY

NYSNA members employed by the County of Cortland successfully fought back demands for major concessions – including a reduction of hours and the elimination of daily overtime – in their new three-year contract. Unanimously ratified on Oct. 15, the agreement protects benefit levels and provides wage increases over the life of the agreement of 4.5% for RNs on steps 1 through 7 of the salary scale and 5% for RNs on step 8. The contract runs through June 30, 2016.

NEW YORK EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY

A new four-year contract, approved Dec. 10, will provide the 115 RNs at this Manhattan specialty hospital with an increase in base wages totaling 9% over the life of the agreement, a 3% increase in total step increases, and three new steps at the top of the experience scale. The contract also provides for improvements to differentials for education, certification, and evening and night shifts. Tuition reimbursement and the continuing education allowance will also be increased. Management will not be able to increase furlough time beyond 37.5 hours per year. The contract runs through April 30, 2016.

EASTERN NIAGARA HOSPITAL AT NEWFANE

For the first time, the 60 RNs at this Western New York facility will have a dental plan, under a new three-year contract ratified on Dec. 12. The RNs’ wages will increase 7% over the life of the agreement. The contract increases the employer’s contribution to the defined-benefit pension plan and provides an incentive bonus for per-diem RNs.