New York, NY— Today, New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) nurses voted to ratify a new contract at Mount Sinai’s New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, with 100% voting in favor.  

The new contract improves staffing enforcement in the event of critical staffing adjustments and staffing violations, which had been a growing concern at Sinai Eye and Ear because of increasing nurse turnover.  

The contract also puts Sinai Eye and Ear nurses on the path to pay parity with other Mount Sinai nurses in New York City. Their wage increases followed the pattern set in January 2023 by other NYSNA New York City private sector nurses, with annual increases of 7,6, and 5% each year of the three-year contract. Nurses also won additional experience pay to aid nurse retention at the facility. 

"This contract is a pathway to continued quality care at Eye and Ear,” said local bargaining unit president and Sinai Eye and Ear nurse John Paul Montemayor, RN. “Getting closer to pay parity with other Mount Sinai facilities will help us retain nurses, and the improved layoff language will give nurses security as we stay and fight for the future of the specialty care we provide to the downtown community and beyond.”  

The nurses protected their retirement and healthcare benefits and won reduced costs for their healthcare. They also won better layoff and terminal benefit language in the event of a layoff, relocation of services, elimination of services or closures – an ongoing concern at Sinai Eye and Ear.  

Mount Sinai has not revealed their long-term plan for New York Eye and Ear, and administrators seem to be moving forward with their planned closure of nearby Beth Israel Hospital, despite community opposition. Nurses at Eye and Ear vowed to continue the fight to save essential and specialty healthcare services for the downtown community.  

“Nurses and our patients deserve fairness, dignity, and respect,” said Maria Teresa Moriarty, RN, a 17-year veteran nurse at Sinai Eye and Ear. “This contract is a start to rebuilding the family and community atmosphere at this hospital. It will help deliver safe staffing and the quality specialty care our patients have relied on for over a century and must continue to be available.”    

The Sinai Eye and Ear nurses held an informational picket outside the hospital on June 4 calling on the hospital to settle a fair contract and keep the hospital open for care. Their contract had expired on April 30. They were joined by community and elected allies who echoed their call.  Shortly after the picket, the nurses headed back to the bargaining table and were able to reach a tentative agreement with management on Thursday, June 13. 

NYSNA President Nancy Hagans RN, BSN, CCRN, said, “No matter where you work or what your specialty, all nurses deserve fair pay, family-sustaining benefits, and a voice in patient care. I’m proud of Mount Sinai Eye and Ear nurses for speaking out and winning a great new contract for nurses and patients.”