FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2015

“After all, decent pay is critical to the improved health and welfare of our New York workforce”

NEW YORK, NY – The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) released a statement today applauding the New York State Wage Board’s decision to raise the wages of 180,000 fast food workers in New York. NYSNA, which represents nearly 37,000 registered nurses throughout the state, sees a link between livable wages and public health, and it has built powerful coalitions throughout the state to end healthcare inequality and improve access to care in every community in New York.

In a prepared statement, Jill Furillo, RN, Executive Director, said:

“NYSNA and our New York union allies are united in the fight against low wages. Low wages and poverty have created an overwhelming and growing public health crisis in our state, and we praise Governor Cuomo for convening the Wage Board and for taking the progressive step towards raising the wages of fast food workers in New York.

“Today’s decision is a huge victory for the low wage worker movement, and it will have a huge effect, not just here in New York State, but across this country and around the globe. This victory is a testament to what we can do when we work together to build power among workers.

“NYSNA stands at the ready to push harder on minimum wages, supporting living wage proposals and encouraging cities that seek local laws to raise their wage standards. After all, decent pay is critical to the health and welfare of our New York workforce.”

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The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) represents more than 37,000 members in New York State. We are New York’s largest union and professional association for registered nurses. For more information, please visit our website at www.nysna.org.