NYSNA nurses at Oneida Hospital voted to ratify a contract that improves wages to help recruit and retain nurses
Oneida, N.Y.— On Aug. 15, New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) nurses at Oneida Health Hospital voted overwhelmingly to ratify a three-year contract that includes wage increases and incentives to help recruit and retain nurses and no concessions on benefits. After months of fighting for a fair contract, nurses achieved a contract that ensures patients at Oneida will receive the best care possible.
Nurses won improvements to recruitment and retention that will ensure that there are enough nurses to safely care for patients. They also won yearly 3% wage increases, a bonus on ratification, additional pay increases to retain experienced nurses, and maintained their benefits.
Donna Maccarone, RN, said, “I’m so proud of what we were able to achieve. We fought because we care for this community and believe that patients and nurses deserve better. These improvements will ensure that we have enough nurses to provide the absolute best care possible.”
NYSNA President Nancy Hagans, RN, BSN, CCRN, said, “NYSNA nurses always want the best for patient care, and they fought for months for what this community needs. Together nurses at Oneida achieved a contract that will ensure they can meet the moment and patient demands.”
Nurses at Oneida Health Hospital had been fighting for a contract since the fall. They met with legislators, launched a public letter-writing campaign, hosted a speak-out, launched an advertising and lawn sign campaign and held an informational picket.
