Richmond University Medical Center RNs hold to candlelight vigil Thursday

NEW YORK, May 10, 2010 - Registered nurses at Richmond University Medical Center want the hospital to keep its promises.

In 2008, the hospital agreed during negotiations with the nurses to a pension plan that was to take effect on April 1, 2010. But a few days prior to this date, the hospital backed out.

In response the nurses will express their disappointment with hospital management during a candlelight vigil from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 13, in front of the hospital at 355 Bard Ave. in Staten Island.

Joining the 600 RNs who work at the facility will be a representative of City Councilwoman Debi Rose, families of the nurses, nurses from throughout Staten Island, and concerned community members.

The nurses who take care of the community deserve to grow old with dignity themselves. They are alerting the community to a hospital that does not keep its promises.

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.

- 30 -