NEW YORK NURSE: June 2008
by Mark Genovese
The 118 RNs at New Island Hospital in Bethpage, Long Island, ratified a three-year contract on May 2 that goes into effect retroactively April 1. It provides a base salary increase of 10.4% and base plus experience average of 14%. Medical leave time has been increased to six months, and leave for a death in the family has been improved. Seniority will accrue during workers comp and military leaves. Open shifts will be posted for bargaining unit members before non-bargaining unit employees or agency nurses. The NYSNA benefit plan and pension plan have been maintained and the per diem rate has been increased.
Nurses at the Monsignor James F. Fitzpatrick Skilled Nursing Facility in Brooklyn approved a four-year contract retroactive to February 1, 2007. Their base salary will increase 14.6% over the life of the contract with significant experiential step increases. The contract also includes an increase in the shift differential and an increase in the education differential.