The Westchester chapter of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) agreed to a new contract with the county last week and for the first time, nurses will contribute to their health care costs.
The four-year contract, which was ratified March 15, covers 50 nurses who work for the county. NYSNA is the fourth union in Westchester to agree to contribute to their health insurance.
The new contract calls for no salary increases in 2013, a 2 percent salary increase for 2014, and a 1.5 percent increase in 2015. Health care contributions begin Jan. 1, 2014. The contract is expected to save Westchester County $107,000 over the remainder of this year and $297,000 over the life of the contract.
The salary increases will be financed through savings obtained from switching to a new insurance plan.
County Executive Robert P. Astorino has made employees contributing to their health insurance a priority since he took office in 2010.
Four remaining unions, including the Civil Service Employees Association, the county”™s largest union, do not contribute to their health insurance.