Nyack nurses to boycott hospital’s Nurses Week event

RNs say: ‘We have no reason to celebrate’

NYACK, May 3, 2010 – Wednesday, May 5 will not be a day of celebration for the registered nurses of Nyack Hospital.

On that day, hospital CEO David Freed is planning an employee lunch to mark National Nurses Week, which runs from May 6 to 12. But the RNs plan to boycott the event because of management’s refusal to negotiate a new contract in a fair manner.

“Nyack management likes to tell the public about how it respects its nurses. But they’re all talk, no action,” said Anna Marie Perkins, RN, president of the bargaining unit for the 520 RNs. “Inside, our relations are strained. So we have no reason to celebrate Nurses Week at Nyack Hospital this year.”

Management’s attitude has most certainly been evident at the bargaining table, as it demands givebacks in the RNs health insurance before it will discuss any patient care issues.

When negotiations began last fall, the hospital’s representatives contended publicly that they wanted to finish by Dec. 15. But across the table, they engaged in one stall tactic after another and demanded deep cuts in the nurses’ healthcare plan. Seven months and 18 sessions later, management has yet to offer the nurses a proposal that’s fair.

“David Freed can’t just serve up some cake and suddenly proclaim: ‘Everything is wonderful,’” Perkins said. “If Mr. Freed really wants to honor Nyack nurses, he has to start with a fair contract offer.”

The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for nursing in the Empire State. With more than 37,000 members, it is the state's largest professional association and largest union for registered nurses. It supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.

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