Nurses at three Montefiore hospitals reach contract agreements, averting a strike

Nurses at three lower Hudson Valley-based Montefiore hospitals – Mount Vernon, New Rochelle and Nyack – reached tentative agreements on new contracts after voting in favor of a strike authorization.

According to a statement from the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), the Mount Vernon and New Rochelle contract will include “historic wage increases that bring these Montefiore nurses in line with pay standards of the Montefiore Bronx facilities and improvements in working conditions, including strengthened safe staffing enforcement language. Importantly, the agreements also improve healthcare benefits and uphold the NYSNA pension at no added cost.”

NYSNA added the Nyack nurses’ contract will include “safe staffing ratios in the contract for the first time, with an improved pathway to hold management accountable for patient safety,” along with wage increases averaging 14% in the first year and to 20% for new nurses in their first year. The Nyack nurses will also be eligible for improved tuition reimbursement, inclusion in the NYSNA pension and recognition of Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day as celebrated holidays.

Voting to ratify the tentative agreements will take place in early January.

“Nurses power our healthcare system, and this historic contract is a resounding victory for their tireless efforts. From substantial wage boosts to improved working conditions, these wins reflect our unyielding commitment to quality patient care and our invaluable nursing community,” said NYSNA President Nancy Hagans.

Photo courtesy of NYSNA