NewYork-Presbyterian Nurses Overwhelmingly Reject Contract Proposal
NewYork-Presbyterian nurses have decisively rejected a proposed contract, extending their strike to a total of 31 days. The vote occurred on Wednesday, with 3,099 out of approximately 4,200 eligible nurses choosing to reject the mediator’s proposal, while only 867 supported it. The union representing these nurses, the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), announced that the strike, initiated in response to unfair labor practices, will continue.
Details of the Strike and Contract Proposal
The tentative agreement, which had been accepted by the hospital on February 8, was backed by NYSNA leadership but faced significant backlash from members. Angela Karafazli, a spokesperson for NewYork-Presbyterian, expressed disappointment over the rejection and mentioned the hospital’s willingness to reconsider the proposal.
Nancy Hagans, president of NYSNA, reiterated the demand for a fair contract and emphasized the need for the return of all nurses to work. The nurses are advocating for improved nurse-to-patient ratios, citing safety concerns due to staffing shortages.
Voting Results and Comparisons
- NewYork-Presbyterian: 3,099 rejected, 867 approved
- Mount Sinai: 87% approval
- Montefiore: 85% approval
Nurses at Mount Sinai and Montefiore voted in favor of their contracts on the same day, indicating a stark contrast in union support compared to NewYork-Presbyterian.
Demands for Investigation and Accountability
Hours after the vote, more than 50 NewYork-Presbyterian nurses delivered a petition to NYSNA headquarters. They demanded a disciplinary investigation into top union leaders for allegedly pushing for the contract vote despite prior rejections by the rank-and-file. Over 1,500 nurses signed this petition, showcasing significant dissent within the union.
The controversy revolves around the leadership’s decision to proceed with the vote, despite strong sentiments among many nurses who felt their concerns were overlooked. Beth Loudin, a neonatal nurse and member of the executive committee, criticized the leadership’s actions as hasty and not reflective of the nurses’ needs.
Union Leadership and Internal Tensions
NYSNA leadership has been urged to ensure that future contract agreements include enforceable nurse-to-patient ratio provisions similar to those secured by nurses at other hospitals.
As the strike continues, the tensions between NYSNA leadership and the nurses at NewYork-Presbyterian are crystallizing. Many nurses feel betrayed, raising concerns about the integrity and priorities of union executives.
The Impact of the Strike
This ongoing strike has evolved into the longest in New York City history, involving approximately 15,000 members across four hospital systems. During the strike, nurses have faced considerable financial struggles, with many lacking pay or healthcare benefits. Hospitals managed to reroute patients and incurred significant costs, estimated at $100 million, for travel nurses.
Mount Sinai’s CEO acknowledged the challenges faced during the past month and expressed gratitude to staff for their patience and dedication to patient care. However, NewYork-Presbyterian nurses remain focused on their demands, asserting that their fight for improved working conditions and patient safety must continue.
