A Weekly Update for NYSNA Members   |   June 20, 2025  

Dear NYSNA Member, 

NYSNA Celebrates Juneteenth!

NYSNA commemorates Juneteenth and honors all who fought to abolish slavery in the United States. Last weekend, NYSNA nurses proudly marched in Buffalo’s Juneteenth parade to commemorate this national holiday. NYSNA members recognize that the fight to end racism and win health equity for all New Yorkers is far from over. This is why NYSNA members throughout New York continue to organize to have Juneteenth recognized in their contracts as a premium holiday. It is also why we are fighting cuts to our public and safety-net hospitals, because these disproportionately impact Black New Yorkers, perpetuate systemic racism and worsen health disparities in our healthcare system.  

NYSNA Continues to Get Out the Vote!  

This week, NYSNA was out in force knocking on doors to get New Yorkers out to vote for pro-labor champions. We were out for Jenn Puja for Westchester County Legislator, and NYSNA joined the New York City Central Labor Council and our labor siblings from RWDSU/UFCW Local 338 and 32BJSEIU to knock on doors for candidates for New York City Council Kevin Riley, Mercedes Narcisse, Alexa Aviles, Shahana Hanif and Pierina Sanchez. NYSNA members also joined a rally in support of New York City Comptroller candidate Justice Brannan.  

You can still help elect NYSNA champions who will make a difference in the lives of nurses, healthcare workers and our patients! Help us build political power for our union and make sure we elect pro-worker, pro-healthcare representatives to office so we can hold employers and special interests accountable. Sign up for phone banking or door-knocking and check out the flyer here.   

NYSNA Continues to Speak Out Against Federal Healthcare Cuts 

This week, NYSNA nurses joined a town hall meeting at One Brooklyn Health/Brookdale Hospital in Brooklyn with Congress Member Hakeem Jeffries and an in-district meeting in West Nyack alongside NYSUT, NYS AFL-CIO, 1199/SEIU, and the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation with Congress Member Mike Lawler to speak out against the Medicaid cuts and other critical programs that Congress is considering right now. The cuts the Senate hopes to pass before July 4 would make even deeper cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. NYSNA Treasurer Margaret Franks, RN, BSN, along with other Rockland County Center Labor Council union leaders emphasized that Medicaid and other healthcare cuts would decimate New Yorkers’ access to care, hospital funding, healthcare jobs and New York’s economy. 

The fight to stop the cuts continues on Monday, June 23. Join NYSNA nurses,1199/SEIU healthcare workers, labor, and community allies at rallies across New York to stop Medicaid cuts at NYP Columbia, NYP Methodist, Mt. Sinai Main, Wyckoff, Interfaith, Brooklyn Hospital, RUMC, Northwell-Peconic Bay, Monte Nyack, and Columbia Memorial-AMC. All will take place during lunchbreak starting at 12 p.m. Please join your NYSNA and 1199 colleagues in front of the main entrance of your facility on your break or if you have the day off!

Online Registration Now Open for the 2025 NYSNA Convention: Strength in Solidarity! 

Mark your calendars for the 2025 NYSNA Convention, where hundreds of NYSNA members will come together to decide our union’s direction. The 2025 convention will take place in Resorts World Catskills on Oct. 28 and 29. This year’s convention theme is “Strength in Solidarity.” 

Register online here, or download and complete the registration form here. Check out the NYSNA website for the most up-to-date information on the convention. Stay tuned over the coming weeks for more information!  

NYNSA Nurses Win DAISY Awards!

On June 10, NYSNA nurses Alice Frimpong, RN, Kristle Simms-Murphy FNP, PMHNP, and Cheryl Robinson, RN, were recognized with The DAISY Award at NYC Health+Hospitals/Jacobi Medical Center. The program celebrates nurses for their extraordinary, compassionate and skillful care and acknowledges nurses who go above and beyond in providing patient care. The DAISY Foundation, which administers the award, was created in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died from complications of an autoimmune disease. Congratulations, NYSNA nurses, on this recognition! 

CVPH Recognized as Recovery-Friendly Workplace With SPAN Award

With the launch of the Statewide Peer Assistance for Nurses’ (SPAN) Campaign for Compassion, SPAN is committed to honoring organizations and individuals making significant strides in creating recovery-friendly work environments. Among the many inspiring participants, University of Vermont-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) stood out as an exemplary leader, committed to supporting employee wellness and recovery. SPAN awarded CVPH a Recovery-Friendly Workplace Award on June 13 for its efforts.

During the event, SPAN highlighted how CVPH has taken proactive steps to foster a culture of understanding, support and resources for all employees facing any issues with substance use disorder (SUD). CVPH’s dedication benefits its employees and sets a powerful precedent for other organizations to follow. Substance use disorder affects approximately 10% of the workforce at some point in their careers, contributing to increased absenteeism and decreased productivity. CVPH’s initiatives, such as fair chance employment by prioritizing skills and qualifications over a candidate’s history of SUD or recovery status and reasonable return to work accommodations, support the successful workplace integration or reintegration of staff in recovery from SUD. CVPH also reviewed its substance use policies, demonstrating how organizations can positively influence this landscape by promoting recovery, reducing stigma and prioritizing mental health. 

NYSNA recognizes Sarah Newtown, RN, and NYSNA program representative, for her essential role in getting the project off the ground. If your facility is interested in learning how to lead with compassion and becoming a recovery-friendly workplace, contact SPAN at SPAN Helpline: 800-457-7261 or SPAN@nysna.org or by visiting www.statewidepeerassistance.org.  

NYSNA also commends the passage of the Recovery Ready Workplace Act in the New York State Assembly and Senate. This proposal takes a critical step toward addressing addiction by empowering New York’s employers to become active partners in supporting recovery. 

NYSNA Nurses Celebrate Juneteenth

NYSNA Nurses from Erie County Medical Center and Terrace View Long-Term Care marched and danced with family and friends in the 2025 Buffalo Juneteenth parade last Saturday, June 14. This annual event commemorates the abolition of slavery and celebrates African American history, culture, and freedom.  

Nurses also celebrated Juneteenth at Erie County Youth Detention Center on June 19. Youth detention/correction nurses offer healing and treat their young patients with dignity and humanity during some of the most difficult moments of a young person's life.  

Calling All Members: Labor Ed Courses and Summer 2025 Trainings Open for Registration

NYSNA’s Labor Education Department is ready to come to your facility to train members to become union leaders. Sign up for Labor Education’s Taking Control of Our Meetings with Management, and Bargaining Trainings on How to Become a Contract Action Team member, What is a Contract Campaign, Mobilizing Members & Rounding, and more, taking place throughout June and July.

Check out the comprehensive schedule, and click here to register.

Contact labored@nysna.org with questions or to request a training in your facility. 

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. 

Our allies at the New York Immigration Coalition developed this toolkit to provide a comprehensive list of resources for community members, partners and allies who work with immigrants. The toolkit covers health, community safety, family resources, financial empowerment and more.

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. 

On Tuesday, June 17, New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander was violently arrested while asking ICE agents to see a judicial warrant for an immigrant at a Manhattan immigration court. Lander was released that evening, but his unlawful arrest as well as the arrest of Newark mayor Ras Baraka last month show that ICE agents are using unlawful tactics even against elected officials. NYSNA released a statement calling on Lander’s release and condemning these ICE tactics. It is more important than ever for nurses to stay informed about their and our patients’ rights. 

Early Voting Ends Sunday! Primary Election Day Is June 24

This weekend is your last chance to cast your ballot early in New York’s primary elections to avoid crowds. You have until Sunday, June 22, to vote early. Find your early voting polling location here. You can also vote on primary Election Day, Tuesday, June 24. Please note the weather forecast shows extreme heat that day, with temperatures reaching 100 degrees in New York City. Stay cool by voting early, or plan to bring water and wear sun-protective gear on Election Day.  

Check out NYSNA’s list of endorsements for the 2025 primary election, and learn about your right to time off to vote! Mark the following dates on your calendar to ensure NYSNA members make our voices heard by turning out in record numbers! 

KEY DATES FOR 2025 ELECTIONS 

• June 14-22: Early voting for the primary election 
• June 23: Deadline to apply in person for a primary ballot 
• June 24: Primary Election Day | Deadline to postmark mail-in ballot

State Legislative Victories!

The 2025 New York legislative session has come to an end. Thanks to the tireless advocacy of our members, NYNSA won the following victories. Check out our website for more details of our legislative victories here.

Workplace Violence:

• We won a package of three workplace violence prevention bills, including passing a bill requiring private sector hospitals and nursing homes to conduct annual workplace violence assessments with the active participation of workers and their unions. 

Save Healthcare Services:

• Passed the Local Input in Community Healthcare (LICH) Act, prohibiting the Department of Health Commissioner’s approval of closures of hospitals; reductions or closures of psych, maternity and emergency room services without prior public notice, public hearings, and posting of health and equity impact statements (A6004/S1226). 

Nursing Practice: 

• Stopped the Interstate Nurse Licensure Compact bill, which would have allowed unlicensed out-of-state nurses to practice in New York for up to six months pending licensure. 

Quality Care for All:

• Passed bills that protected abortion access and gender-affirming care in New York, expanded regulations for artificial intelligence and passed a bill that affirmed end-of-life rights for patients while allowing workers with moral objections to opt out of participation. 

Workers’ Rights:

• Passed a bill protecting workers against employer TRAP agreements that unfairly require workers to repay training and other penalties or costs if they quit their jobs. 

Join Nurses at Albany’s Filipino Independence Day Parade or New York City’s Pride Parade 

June is full of ways to participate in cultural events that celebrate the power of the diverse identities and cultures that make up the NYSNA union family and the communities we serve. Join us next weekend at: 

• Albany Filipino Independence Day Parade
  Saturday, June 28. Check out the flyer and register here.
• New York City Pride Parade
  Sunday, June 29. Check out the flyer and register here. 

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.

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. 

The Talkspace Go App July Classes Are Here 

The Talkspace Go app, another great resource UAP offers, is great for accessing daily mental health support on the go! Talkspace Go is a clinician-created, self-guided app so you can address mental health challenges and build mental fitness on your own schedule. It empowers couples, individuals and parents to take progress into their own hands in as little as five minutes a day. Access 400-plus self-guided classes and live weekly therapist-led, anonymous classes. Enjoy assessments, meditation exercises, journaling, reminders and more. 

Talkspace Go app is available at no cost to members and their eligible household members! Click here for the instructions and passcode to access the app.

Free Benefits for NYSNA Members: Union Assistance 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 June 2025 newsletter outlines the most frequently asked questions counselors hear from members seeking assistance. Check it out here.  

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 June and July classes. Check out SPAN’s Compassion Project. 

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 the full calendar of Wellness Wednesday offerings here. 

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