New York
nurse special edition | November/december 2019
the official publication of the new york state nurses association
Harlem Hospital
Metropolitan
Bellevue
Kings
Voices of victory at NYC H+H/Mayorals
Woodhull
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New York Nurse november/december 2019
From your NYSNA Negotiations
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rom the first bargaining session in June, to the all-night bargaining session that delivered a tentative agreement on a new contract, NYSNA nurses demonstrated a strong, focused and consistent voice for healthcare justice. The diverse Negotiations Committee represented nurses from
big facilities and small, ambulatory care clinics, the Mayoral agencies, RNs, Accountable Care Managers, NPs, and young and veteran nurses, alike. Determination wins
At the end of the day, the Negotiations Committee, powered by determination and nearly
9,000 public sector NYC nurses, were able to secure a groundbreaking contract that delivered on the most important issues identified by the majority of members. For the first time, enforceable safe staffing ratios are in the contract. A substantial salary increase and other incentives were won to help attract and retain the nurses necessary to
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H+H nurses charged forward with a strong contract campaign, and we can see the results in the historic gains we achieved in this contract. From enforceable nurseto-patient staffing ratios, to salaries and retention bonuses, to other improvements to our daily working conditions, this is the way forward to win healthcare justice for patients and nurses.” Judith Cutchin, MSN, RN NYSNA Board of Directors and President, NYSNA’s NYC H+H/Mayorals Executive Committee
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These negotiations have shown that in order to get better results, we need to build political consciousness, awareness and power. As union members, we can’t do it alone or just focus on one facility—we need to build solidarity with each another, our communities and political leaders to win the changes that nurses deserve. Ray Briggs, RN
We started strong and we finished strong. It was exciting to work on the Negotiations Committee with professionals from nearly every facility and agency. The testimonies at the first negotiations session set the tone and established that we all have common goals. I’m proud that we accomplished safe staffing ratios for the overwhelming majority of members and that we have a process that will lead us to safe staffing ratios in
Coney Island Hospital
Woodhull
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NYSNA nurses had a strong team united around one common goal— quality patient care. NYSNA unity creates strong solidarity and healthcare justice for our patients— the other New York. Sharon Greenaway, RN North Central Bronx
ambulatory and long-term care, as well.” Deborah Gatson, BSN, RN Gotham Health/ East New York D&T Center
NEW YORK NURSE
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november/december 2019
Committee deliver the quality care that our patients deserve. A team effort
NYC H+H/Mayorals nurses ran a public contract campaign, creating pressure on the City as a result of the solidarity of the community and elected officials who stood with the nurses. Members contributed by participating in rallies, providing public testimony, meeting with elected officials, educating fellow nurses in their facilities, and attending open bargaining sessions. This was truly a team effort and a demonstration that when NYSNA nurses fight, they win! Read what members of the elected Negotiations Committee have to say about this contract victory. Kings County Hospital
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Getting staffing ratios and resources to retain our nurses in H+H was our bottom line and we won that. Our underserved patients deserved at least that much. Our challenge in the upcoming days, months, and years will be to make these gains a reality by organizing with our co-workers to fully fund our system and keep all of our services accessible to every New Yorker who needs it.” Sean Petty, RN, Jacobi
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As a Negotiations Committee, we kept together. We were professionals from the beginning to the end, and I think that the City recognized the respect, trust and concern we have for each other, our patients, and for H+H and Mayorals. I’d especially like to thank our President, Judith Cutchin, who was always there, and saw us through to a fair contract. Patricia James, BSN, RN
As the youngest member of the team, I was glad to be given the opportunity to serve all the diverse nurses of H+H. We tried to ensure that everyone—from Mayorals, to ambulatory, to long-term care—had their issues reflected and made gains in the final contract. This contract is definitely a win for our nurses and our patients. Jovana Woodley, RN
Kings County Hospital
Coler Specialty Hospital & Nursing Facility
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I was especially excited about the improvements we made for accountable care managers and case managers in H+H and the Mayorals. ACMs and CMs play an important role in quality patient care and in the financial health of our public system.” Yvonne Lam, RN, BSN, MSN, CCM Woodhull
Continued on page 10
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New York Nurse november/december 2019
From your NYSNA Negotiations Committee Continued from page 9
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Metropolitan
There is strength and power in numbers. It took a dedicated campaign to win this precedent-setting contract with staffing ratios. I’m grateful the City came to the table and bargained in good faith. This is the first victory, and there will be many more to come. The struggle continues. Keysha Morris, BSN, RN Mayorals/ Corrections
Even as an alternate, I was able to voice concerns of the Mayoral nurses and help secure some of the same benefits gained by the H+H nurses. I sometimes joke about the slash between H+H/Mayorals, but as our convention motto, SOLIDARITY FOREVER, proclaims, we need to remember that a win for one group of nurses is a win for ALL NURSES! I’m proud to have been a part of brokering this historic contract. Patricia Tyrell, RN
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I am a newcomer to the contract negotiation committee. It was an honor to help convey the pressing issues of our members across the table. It's especially rewarding to see our issues addressed within this progressive contract. Alizia McMyers, MHA, BSN, RN Harlem Hospital
Mayorals/ NYPD
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I’m very proud of the work the Negotiating Committee has completed on behalf of the NYSNA members of H+H/Mayorals. I’d like to personally thank them for their tireless efforts to make this a contract like no other. I’m proud to be a part of this union and this contract victory. I feel so grateful for the team and the membership, and look
“ forward to continuing our work together. Valerie Bowers, RN Retired, Kings County Hospital
I’m especially excited about the wins on safe staffing ratios and nursing education. I hope that the positive relationship we built with the City through these negotiations will continue and grow. Mary Simon, RN Jacobi Medical Center