ECMC Nurses in the House!

ECMC nurses turned out big at NYSNA’s first delegated Convention. Long-time leaders and newer leaders, alike, traveled hours to bring the voices of their ECMC colleagues to New York City.

“The members can feel NYSNA in our facility. We joke about ‘NYSNA in the house.’ We truly have that in Buffalo,” said Cathy Bystrak, RN and Grievance Chair, who was attending her 10th NYSNA Convention. “Patient care cannot be compromised. That’s why we’re here.”

The ECMC delegates were eager to discuss their issues with other nurses around the state. According to Jennifer Brinkworth, RN in Behavioral Health, safe staffing and workplace violence are big concerns. Chiqkena Collins, RN and NYSNA Board of Directors Western Regional Director, added that we need to fight to protect retiree health benefits and pensions, and stay strong and united as a union in the face of the Supreme Court Janus decision.

The Convention serves to get members fired up. We are becoming more member centered.” - Chiqkena Collins, RN, NYSNA Western Regional Director

Nurses at ECMC are focused on building a member-driven union that delivers for nurses, especially as we move into bargaining a new contract. The meeting to establish ground rules for negotiations was on December 27, and the New Year will bring many more bargaining sessions and opportunities for ECMC nurses to bring our voices to the table.

ECMC Delegates Kevin Donovan, Jennifer Brinkworth and Ray Rebmann attend the rally at NYSNA Convention

Kevin Donovan, RN and Vice-Co-Chair of ECMC’s Executive Committee concluded, “NYSNA is everything. It’s the force behind everything we do. I can’t wait to bring what I’m learning at Convention back to the hospital!”

Julie Roman, RN, was attending Convention for the first time. She said, “This is the first year of me participating in the union, and I was elected as a delegate. It feels wonderful. I’m glad that I can be given the opportunity to stand tall and advocate for all the nurses who work hard on a daily basis.”

NYSNA means togetherness, unity, standing together. - Julie Roman, RN