Nurses' union says strike authorized if negotiations fail

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

NEW YORK (AP) — The union representing more than 18,000 registered nurses at 14 of New York City's private hospitals said members have voted to authorize a strike if contract negotiations aren't carried out in good faith.

The New York State Nurses Association said the main issue for its members is staffing levels at the hospitals. The union says there aren't enough nurses to give patients the best care, and wants the hospitals to hire more.

"We are doing the best that we can, but we need to see an improvement in the patient ratios," said Nancy Hagans, a registered nurse who has spent more than 20 years working at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn.

The New York City Hospital Alliance, the consortium representing the biggest private hospitals, said the claim of staffing shortages "couldn't be more off the mark" and that the union should return to the bargaining table.

FULL story at link.


Read more: http://www.thedailystar.com/news/state/nurses-union-says-strike-authorized-if-negotiations-fail/article_615939c5-f022-5523-863a-b453c65248cd.html

[marym625]

1. I have been in the hospital more than a few times

And there's nothing worse than being in need of a nurse and having to wait forever to get help.

These men and women are the backbone of care in a hospital setting. They should be paid much more than they are and get all the help they need

[daleanime]

2. K&R.....

Too often it has the people on the floor, doing the actual work, who have been cut back. That needs to change.