New Year, New Contract

New Year, New Contract

On December 27, NYSNA nurses at ECMC and Terrace View Long Term Care had our first bargaining session with ECMC management. The meeting was largely procedural—we agreed on the ground rules and timeline, extending the contract through March 31.

One new and exciting agreement that NYSNA made with management was to allow open negotiations— a first for ECMC! This means that any ECMC nurse— even those not on the bargaining committee—are invited to sit in on negotiations. Our next bargaining session is February 6. Please come and observe on breaks and at lunch, or the whole day, if you are off.

Even if you cannot make it to the bargaining session on February 6, you can still show your support—and NYSNA’s strength—by wearing red.

With the exception of our pension, everything is up for negotiation at the bargaining table. From our survey collection and small group conversations, several themes have emerged that are most important to ECMC nurses.

We are circulating a petition that summarizes the main demands that arose from member surveys—be on the lookout for the petition on your unit. Signing the petition is another way to show unity and express your solidarity and support for a fair contract that puts patients first and prioritizes: 1) patient and staff safety; 2) safe staffing; 3) quality and affordable health insurance; 4) retirement with dignity; and 5) fair wages.

Bargaining is such an important opportunity to make our voices heard. We hope to hear from you this time around!