Hundreds of Nurses Picket at Samaritan Calling for Safe Staffing and a Fair Contract
Contact: Kristi Barnes | press@nysna.org | 646-853-4489
Diana Moreno | press@nysna.org | 917-327-2302
NYSNA Nurses Protest in Front of Hospital, Speak Out About Understaffing Crisis that Puts Patients at Risk
Nurses Demand Enforceable Safe Staffing Standards and a Real Plan to Hire and Retain Enough Nurses for Quality Care
Watertown, N.Y.– Members of the New York State Nurses Association at Samaritan Medical Center are holding an informational picket in front of the hospital on Thursday, Feb. 2. Nurses are speaking out about the understaffing crisis throughout the hospital, especially on medical-surgical, critical care, and mental health units, and in the emergency department.
This is the first contract that Samaritan nurses have negotiated since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are demanding safe staffing and a real plan to hire and retain nurses, so that patients and the community receive the quality care they need and deserve.
WHO: NYSNA nurses at Samaritan Medical Center, and labor and community allies, including 1199SEIU and the Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence Central Labor Council
WHAT: Informational picket for safe staffing and a fair contract
WHERE: Samaritan Medical Center, 830 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 2 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
*Press Conference at Noon*
VISUALS: Hundreds of healthcare workers marching, protesting, chanting, and carrying handmade signs. Media availabilities.
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The New York State Nurses Association represents more than 42,000 members in New York State. We are New York’s largest union and professional association for registered nurses. NYSNA is an affiliate of National Nurses United, AFL-CIO, the country's largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses, with more than 225,000 members nationwide.
For more information, visit nysna.org.