A Weekly Update for NYSNA Members   |   February 21, 2025  

Dear NYSNA Member, 

South Shore Nurses Begin Strike Vote

This morning, over 900 nurses at South Shore University Hospital/Northwell began voting to authorize a strike. The vote will continue throughout the weekend. South Shore nurses have been fighting for a fair contract since November to win safe staffing, improved wages and benefits that will help recruit and retain nurses and a voice in patient care. The nurses’ contract expires on Feb. 28, and instead of bargaining with nurses, Northwell executives walked away from the table on Friday, Feb. 14. It’s clear that Northwell can afford to invest in a fair contract that helps recruit and retain enough nurses for quality patient care but are choosing not to. In 2023, Northwell’s President and CEO Michael Dowling raked in over $9 million in salary, benefits and perks. The hospital system is projected to spend $530 million to expand the South Shore campus and is in the middle of purchasing Connecticut-based Nuvance Health. As one of the largest employers on Long Island, Northwell can afford to invest in their nurses and patients.  

While striking is always a last resort, nurses are tired of Northwell’s behavior and management prioritizing profits above patient care. Nurses are ready to do whatever it takes to win a fair contract. South Shore nurses have been getting ready by taking strike preparedness trainings with NYSNA’s Labor Education department, with approximately 100 nurses attending trainings this week. They’ve also been gathering support from union siblings, elected officials and community members. In a letter of solidarity sent to Northwell this week, approximately 20 Long Island labor unions called on Northwell to bargain a fair contract with nurses. South Shore nurses are also sharing a community petition and asking community members to sign on in solidarity with Long Island nurses fighting for fair contracts. South Shore nurses are joining other NYSNA nurses on Long Island who are actively bargaining for new contracts, including nurses at Northwell Huntington Hospital and Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, some of the newest NYSNA members. Over 2,500 nurses at the three hospitals are united for quality care for all Long Island patients.  members. Over 2,500 nurses at the three hospitals are united for quality care for all Long Island patients.  

Wynn Nurses and Onondaga Nurses Sticker Up for Valentine’s Day Action

On Friday, Feb. 14, nurses at Onondaga County and Mohawk Valley Health System Wynn Hospital stickered up to tell management that nurses are undervalued, understaffed and underpaid. Nurses at both facilities used the Valentine’s Day holiday to keep up the pressure and let their employers know that the only gift they want is for management to bargain fair contracts with safe staffing and respectful wages and benefits. This action follows Wynn nurses’ successful march on the boss two weeks ago when nurses delivered a petition to management demanding a fair contract and Onondaga nurses’ “fair contract” sticker action. 

Montefiore Nurses Bring Attention to ED Overcrowding With Sticker Action

On Tuesday, Feb. 18, NYSNA nurses, CIR SEIU residents and 1199 healthcare workers at all Montefiore emergency departments in the Bronx stickered up calling on management to “Save Our Beds.” The Bronx is in danger of losing hospital beds and essential services after Montefiore management announced a “restructuring” plan that will eliminate hospital beds and move surgical services out of the Bronx. Healthcare professionals know that reducing beds will lead to longer wait times and result in more patients in the hallways. Nurses have been working overtime to bring attention to this issue at community board meetings and with New York elected officials. They participated in this action to show solidarity and unity among workers in these facilities also fighting to make sure Bronx patients get the quality care they need and deserve. They plan to speak out on Feb. 28 to make their voices heard loud and clear. Stay tuned! 

NYSNA Tables at 73rd Annual Convention of the Nursing Students’ Association of New York State

On Saturday, Feb. 15, NYSNA was an exhibitor at the 73rd Annual Nursing Students’ Association of New York State Convention. This year’s theme was “Mindfulness Medicine: Revitalize, Empower, Serve.” NYSNA Director at Large Marie Boyle, RN, BSN, represented NYSNA in conversations with student nurses. Boyle engaged over 60 students interested in learning about NYSNA and becoming NYSNA student affiliates to ensure that the next generation of nurses is NYSNA strong! 

NYSNA Joins Rally to Save Our Services and Stop Federal Layoffs

On Wednesday, Feb. 19, NYSNA rallied to “Save Our Services” in Manhattan and in Albany against mass layoffs, funding freezes and healthcare cuts. NYSNA joined elected officials and union members throughout New York demanding that the federal government and Department of Health and Human Services reverse these cuts and reinstate staff immediately. 

NYSNA members are especially outraged at the cuts and mass layoffs at the World Trade Center Health Program, a program that cares for 9/11 first responders’ health and well-being. This vital program is critical to caring for those suffering from Ground Zero-related health conditions — it is not government waste! Read more about the program and the impact of federal cuts on ABC. 

NYSNA Celebrates Lunar New Year

Rain couldn't stop our nurses from enjoying themselves at the Lunar New Year Parade in Manhattan on Sunday! Thank you to all our nurses who came out and spread the message, "Nurses care for ALL New Yorkers!" 

Know Your Rights and Advocate for Patients When Encountering ICE

Nurses’ first duty is to care for and advocate for our patients. NYSNA nurses care for all New Yorkers regardless of immigration status, income or insurance status, race, religion, ability or disability, sexuality, or gender identity or expression — simply regardless. Read our statement regarding the federal policy change on immigration enforcement in “sensitive locations,” including hospitals and schools. 

Learn your rights and get answers to frequently asked questions here to know what to do if you encounter ICE officers in your facility. 

NYSNA has also prepared this list of legal resources related to immigration. Please review and share widely. 

NYSNA Nurses Join Caucus Weekend

NYSNA board of directors and member leaders attended the 54th annual New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislators Legislative Conference, commonly known as Caucus Weekend, in Albany over this past holiday weekend. NYSNA leaders participated in policy workshops addressing pressing issues facing New Yorkers and met key elected officials like Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James and New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. They also met with key union leaders, including Rev. Terrence Melvin, secretary-treasurer of the New York State AFL-CIO and president of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. 

NYSNA members can travel to Albany and advocate for NYSNA’s legislative and budget priorities at the upcoming Lobby Day on March 11. 

Labor Education: Winter-Spring 2025 Trainings Open for Registration

Registration for the statewide Spring 2025 Member Leader Training series is open and will take place on Zoom on Thursdays, April 4, 10, 17 and 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Member Leader Training is a four-part training open to all members who want to deepen their leadership skills, and it covers all the basic skills needed to represent your co-workers, enforce your contracts, organize successful collective actions, plan workplace issue campaigns, and have effective meetings with management. You can take each part individually or the entire series, and each provides three contact hours and 0.3 CEUs. Register here and invite your co-workers to attend with you. 

NEW DATES: Check out all of Labor Education's upcoming trainings, including new dates in March and April on Collective Bargaining Fights: What Is a Contract Campaign and Taking Control of Our Meetings with Management and many more. Check out training dates and register online.   

NYSNA Life Insurance – It's Time to Designate Your Beneficiary

NYSNA already provides members with a great benefit at no cost: Basic MetLife Life Insurance! This coverage provides $20,000 of Basic Life Insurance and $20,000 of Basic Personal Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance. All active members in good standing represented for collective bargaining through the union will automatically be enrolled in the plan. This union benefit is in addition to any other insurance provided by your benefits fund, your contract, or through your employer.

But for your loved ones to receive this benefit, you must designate them as a beneficiary! To enroll and receive instructions on designating a beneficiary for your new Basic Personal AD&D Insurance, go to nysnawinstonbenefits.com or call 1-866-483-1124. 

Sign up with your NYSNA Member ID to set up and access your account and benefits. If you need your Member ID, please contact the NYSNA Membership department at membership@nysna.org. Download the flyer for additional details.

Talkspace Go Classes Through Union UAP

NYSNA is excited to introduce a new resource available to all members and eligible family members from our Union Assistance Program (UAP): Talkspace Go classes to learn valuable skills and resources to support your health. February’s topics are designed to improve your mental health and well-being. These live, online group classes are therapist-led, anonymous and free. 

Check out the calendar of Talkspace Go classes for February 2025. There are new classes every month covering a broad range of topics related to work, family, relationships and mental health. You can download the Talkspace Go app for free from the Apple App store or Google Play  to review and register for classes. After you download the app, sign up and create an account, and then enter our organization's code: ESIAP.

NYSNA Will-Writing Benefits From MetLife 

The NYSNA Benefits Fund gives NYSNA members who are covered by the NYSNA Benefits Fund access to personal will preparation services that MetLife Legal Plans offer — at no additional cost.  

Having a will prevents unnecessary stress and ensures final wishes are clear. The Benefits Fund offers valuable legal resources through MetLife Legal Plans to assist with creating or updating a will with a member’s Basic Life coverage. As part of this benefit, members get legal guidance and unlimited consultations with network attorneys. Learn more here.  

NYSNA Members Are Eligible for AFL-CIO’s Union Plus Benefits!

The benefits of being a NYSNA member extend beyond your NYSNA benefits. As an affiliate of the AFL-CIO, NYSNA members are also eligible for Union Plus benefits to help current and retired labor union members and their families save money and support them through major milestones, celebrations and hardships. These benefits include discounts on wireless plans, credit card deals, mortgage deals, discounts on insurance plans and more! Find out more on the AFL-CIO Union Plus website. 

Free Benefits for NYSNA Members: UAP Program and SPAN Program

The Union Assistance Program (UAP) is a confidential self-help program, independent from NYSNA, that is available to NYSNA members and their families as a membership benefit. When an employee or family member (18 or older) faces a significant personal problem, they can call UAP’s experienced counselors at 800-252-4555 for assistance at any time. Read more information on phone counseling services here.

Learn about the benefits and resources that the UAP offers here. The February 2025 newsletter focuses on the importance of our own cardiovascular health and the heart health of those we love.

Statewide Peer Assistance for Nurses (SPAN) is a confidential education, support and advocacy program for all nurses licensed in New York state who are dealing with substance abuse problems. Visit the SPAN website for more information, or to sign up for one of its January classes on intention setting. Learn more about SPAN’s new Compassion Project here.

Wellness Wednesdays: As part of its mission to promote a healthy lifestyle, SPAN is also offering a Self-Care Series that includes free Wellness Wednesday courses. Check out February’s Interval Training classes and the full calendar of Wellness Wednesday offerings here.

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