Voting is underway on tentative agreements that could end the monthlong strike by New York City nurses. Nearly 15,000 nurses began the strike on January 12, seeking improvements in staffing, pay, and job security. The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) is now encouraging members at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital to vote on a new contract proposal, despite the hospital’s union executive committee having rejected the deal, as per Gothamist.
The deal includes an approximate 12% salary increase over three years and commitments to increase staffing. Ballots were sent via email to nurses at NewYork-Presbyterian, Mount Sinai, and Montefiore hospitals to begin voting. The local bargaining unit at NewYork-Presbyterian, led by President Beth Loudin, opposed the proposed deal, stating that it did not meet the desired staffing levels and lacked sufficient job protections.
Nurses at Mount Sinai and Montefiore hospitals may experience a different outcome, as their committees have already approved the tentative agreements, allowing members to vote on returning to work by this Saturday. According to ABC7NY, if these agreements are ratified, it could mark the end of the strike for most participating nurses.
Some NewYork-Presbyterian nurses have expressed opposition to the vote, citing concerns about the terms of the proposed deal. An Instagram account, @presbynurses, has been encouraging a no vote and continued picketing. NYSNA leadership has highlighted the importance of members participating in the voting process. Voting for all hospitals is scheduled to end at 5 p.m. tonight, after which the outcome of the strike will become clearer.
