Members Of The New York State Nurses Association Vote To Authorize A Strike At Northwell Health’s Staten Island University Hospital
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 18, 2018
Contact: Laura Montross I Email: lmontross@kivvit.com I Cell: 212-929-0669
MEMBERS OF THE NEW YORK STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION VOTE TO AUTHORIZE A STRIKE AT NORTHWELL HEALTH’S STATEN ISLAND UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Staten Island, NY ---- Members of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) voted overwhelmingly to authorize an unfair labor practice strike at Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) which is owned and operated by Northwell Health.
Talks have been ongoing to try to reach an agreement, but the talks have not resulted in a fair and equitable response from hospital executives.
Major disagreements remain on important issues such as:
Safe Staffing
Health Insurance
Fundamental Union Rights
Wages
Safe Staffing: Having the proper number of nurses on-duty is essential for proper care and provides a better outcome for patients. SIUH is refusing to offer staffing improvements to any unit.
Health Insurance: Retired nurses have who worked day-and-night for the people of Staten Island deserve fair health insurance. SIUH is refusing to offer retirees any health plan.
Fundamental Union Rights: NYSNA has filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board regarding SIUH’s efforts to prevent NYSNA RN’s from leafletting, discussing contract negotiations, or handling out lawn signs to fellow RNs. NYSNA RNs have authorized the strike to protest these illegal actions by SIUH.
Wages: Fair wages are important for retaining the best of the best for the people of Staten Island. SIUH refuses to offer a fair wage in-step with the rest of New York City.
NYSNA urges SIUH executives to come to the table with fair proposals that benefit the hospital, the nurses, and the residents of Staten Island.