SEPT / OCT 2019
A NEWSLETTER FOR NYSNA RNs AT NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/MAYORALS
Bargaining Update We have held 11 bargaining sessions with the City since negotiations got underway on June 17th, with the latest sessions held on October 2nd, 3rd and 15th. At the sessions, we engaged in extensive discussions around our workplace violence, safe patient handling, disaster relief, release time, and enhanced Nurse Practice Committee proposals and made good progress on narrowing our differences on these issues. The City is also providing us with extensive census and staffing data that we requested as part of our nurse workload/ patient care proposals. We are reviewing that data to determine the actual staffing patterns and nursing care targets in each unit and to prepare for more detailed discussions around this key issue. We are also starting to work through the costing analysis of some of our proposals, including our proposal to reduce the weekend work obligation.
We have given the City more specific proposals on the following items: nn
Penalty pay for missed meal periods and rest periods;
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Improved workplace violence protections;
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Improved safe patient handling provisions;
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A professional work place environment proposal to protect against abusive managerial behavior;
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Enhanced role for the Nurse Practice Councils in addressing patient care and practice issues at NYCHH and the Mayoral Agencies;
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Clear rules and processes for the posting and filling of bargaining unit vacancies with preference for internal candidates and seniority;
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Clear rules on the changes in pay rates for permanent or temporary promotions;
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Improvements in responsibility pay and process for assignment of charge nurses;
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Restrictions on the involuntary floating of nurses, the use of shift rotation and work reassignments;
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Creation of a joint committee process for reviewing and approving new technology or equipment that impacts nursing;
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Process for approval of leaves to participate in disaster relief efforts; and
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Creation of a “Joint Health Care Services� committee composed of nurses and community stakeholders to have a direct say in decisions about the range of services and the way in which they are delivered to our patients, including input prior to deciding on whether to reduce or close services.
SAVE THE DATES! Next Bargaining Sessions: October 25 & November 1
