Our Dues, Our Power

Our NYSNA dues pay for member representation and arbitrations, winning great new contracts, political and community outreach to support our contract and healthcare advocacy campaigns, member education, our nursing practice resources and free certification exam prep courses, events like our annual Convention and Nurses Week celebrations, and our new life insurance benefit.  

As a dues-paying NYSNA member, you are part of a national movement to protect nursing and working people – as members of National Nurses United and the local, state, and national affiliates of our national union federation, the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).  

How Dues Are Calculated

Dues rates are based on the average base salary for NYSNA local bargaining unit members in various regions of the state.  

NYSNA dues are computed each year according to a formula approved by the members at the 2001 Voting Body. The formula uses a regional base salary (RBS) to determine the dues for members in six different regions in New York state and one in New Jersey. The RBS is the average of the starting salary paid to staff nurses at all NYSNA-represented facilities in each region as of Jan. 1 of that year.

A calculation of 1.6% of this average determines the dues rate for members in that region who are represented for collective bargaining and work full time; and 1.2% for members who are represented for collective bargaining and work less than full time.

Dues are not a percentage of each member’s individual salary. Our dues formula ensures our dues only go up when all of us are doing well with new raises.

If NYSNA negotiates major pay increases in a region, you will see that reflected in the dues amount you contribute to our union.

You can see a copy of our annual dues policy notice, and our annual dues rates are included in our spring issue of New York Nurse.

NYSNA Individual Members

NYSNA also offers individual membership options for nurses who are not represented for collective bargaining. Dues are lower for members who are not represented by NYSNA for collective bargaining, and discounts are applied for members in other special circumstances.

Retired? You Can Still Be Part of NYSNA

Even after you retire, you can stay involved in NYSNA as a retiree member. Retiree dues are $100 per year.  To request a retiree membership application, contact the Dues and Membership Department.

Members on Long-Term Leave

If you go on leave while working in your job, you will remain a NYSNA member for 90 days. If you are going to be on leave for longer than 90 days and want to maintain your NYSNA membership, contact the Dues and Membership Department and we will send you information about joining as an individual member until you return to your job.  

NYSNA Student Affiliates

Nursing students can become NYSNA student affiliates for free! Student affiliates get a complimentary subscription to our New York Nurse magazine  and the chance to connect with NYSNA members in our healthcare advocacy work. Download the brochure to learn more and apply.