Commitment to Stand Strong for Staffing and Improved Conditions for Nurses and Patients Dominates Capital Region Inter-Regional Meeting

Staffing, and a commitment to a statewide strategy to improve patient care, dominated the March 12 Capital Region Inter-regional Meeting in Glenville. Nurses from across the Capital Region gathered to receive updates on three big contract battles at Ellis Hospital and Bellevue Women's Center in Schenectady, and Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville.

While progress in achieving a fair contract has been slow at these facilities, the RNs agreed that we must not give in when it comes to our demands for safe staffing for our patients. “We’re going to stand for what we started out to do,” said Ellis RN Theresa Jewett.

Nurses from Visiting Nurse Services (VNS) of Northeastern NY, who were proud to produce a signed contract for their group, and RNs from St. Elizabeth Hospital in Utica also attended, and continue to offer support for NYSNA RNs in contract negotiations. The RNs paid tribute to retiring NYSNA member Gloria Strong, bargaining unit president for 44 years at Visiting Nurse Services. “45 years ago, our RNs were being taken advantage of and we’re here today because of Gloria. Your legacy will continue,” said VNS RN and Bargaining Unit President Melissa Coyne.