Flushing RNs approve new contract

FLUSHING, February 9, 2012 – Registered nurses at Flushing Hospital tonight overwhelmingly approved a new three-year contract.

The 420 RNs are represented by the New York State Nurses Association. Their most-recent contract expired on Dec. 31, 2011.

In December, hospital management refused to sign interim agreements to guarantee continuation of health and pension coverage for six months after contract expiration while the parties continue to negotiate.

This was the last straw for the RNs, who felt that negotiations with the hospital were no longer producing any progress. RNs served management with a notice of intent to strike on Feb. 7. The strike notice was withdrawn Feb. 4, when an agreement was reached after a day-long negotiating session.

The RNs believe this new contract – which is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2012, and runs through Dec. 31, 2014 – will help to address the nurses’ concerns about recruitment, retention, and staffing. Highlights of the agreement, which contains no concessions on the part of the nurses:

Pensions – RNs will be reinstated to the Nurses Association’s pension plan with full credit
Health insurance – RNs will receive the best option for health insurance coverage under the Nurses Association’s health benefits plan – a premium contribution of $25 per person per month, up to $100 maximum. RNs prescriptions under the formulary will be filled at no cost at pharmacies affiliated with MediSys.
Compensation – RNs will receive 2% increases effective July 7, 2013, and July 6, 2014. Hourly rates for per-diems will also increase.

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

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