NY RNs Still on Strike

Im so glad you asked! I was beginning to think nobody was interested in this fight. ; ) THANKS!

<<For immediate release:

Long Island Nurses Strike Is Over!!

St. Catherine’s RNs approve contract that limits overtime and ensures safe staffing!

SMITHTOWN, Long Island, NY March 9, 2002 – Registered nurses at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center brought their 104-day strike to an end tonight by overwhelmingly approving a new three-year contract.

The agreement places strict limits on the hospital’s ability to force the nurses to work overtime and establishes a set of enforceable nurse-to-patient staffing guidelines. The 450 registered nurses, represented by the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) are to begin returning to work March 17.

Some of the contract’s provisions include:

OVERTIME – The hospital will NO LONGER be able to require nurses to work overtime in non-emergency situations. A financial disincentive will be put into place to discourage the hospital from forcing the nurses to work overtime. If the hospital forces an RN to work beyond a regular shift, it would have to pay that RN an extra bonus of $11 per hour for the first four hours of overtime, and $16 per hour if the RN works more than four hours, IN ADDITION to paying the RN the usual time-and-a half.

SAFE STAFFING – The hospital will implement a schedule of unit-by-unit, shift-by-shift guidelines that will ensure patients will have the adequate number of RNs on duty to care for them. If the nurses believe the hospital is not adhering to the ratios, they can seek to enforce them through arbitration.

Volunteer staffing incentives – To help fill vacant shifts, the hospital will offer a bonus to RNs who are willing to work 24 weekends in a calendar year. In addition, RNs who volunteer to fill posted open shifts on nights, evenings, or weekend days also are eligible for additional compensation.

RETIREE HEALTH BENEFITS – Starting in January 2003, nurses between the ages of 60 and 65 with 20 years of service will receive $2,500. per year to purchase health insurance until they are eligible for Medicare.

Compensation – Base salaries will increase 5% across the board in each year of the contract, PLUS the nurses will receive increases in experience and night shift differentials. Salary increases will be fully retroactive to May 15, 2001.

This is just a sample of the new contract. The agreement is the result of more than three months of difficult work on the part of the St. Catherine’s nurses. NYSNA is proud of the strength, determination, and unity the nurses showed throughout the strike and is appreciative of the support the people and organizations of the community provided them.

With more than 33,000 members, NYSNA is the leading organization for registered nurses in New York state and is one of the largest representatives of RNs for collective bargaining in the nation. A multi-purpose organization, NYSNA fosters high standards for nursing education and practice and works to advance the profession through legislative activity. For more information, call Mark Genovese at NYSNA: 518.782.9400, ext. 353.>>>>>>

http://www.nysna.org/

Return to Work Countdown
- day 2 and counting

Tomorrow the Rns go back to work. They will return en mass in unity. Those who are not on the schedule to work will be there to escort those who are working back to the hospital. All together - just as they have been for the 104 days of their strike. The Red Storm. Tonight NYSNA threw the St Catherines Rns' a fantastic Victory Party. The following letter is from the St Catherines staff RN who is the head of the union of nurses at that hospital (and is also a fearless leader)......

<<Good Evening

Tonight we danced the night away at the Wyndham Windwatch Hotel with 390 of our nearest and dearest. We had the time of our lives, nothing will compare with this night of the RED STORM Revival. Pictures will come in a day or so. My feet are killing me and my spirits are soaring. I am very proud to just be one of you.

Where do I start to say thank you for this lovely gift? My wrist will wear this tribute to the Red Storm with great pride and humility. You are the most special people I have ever had the pleasure to call friends.

Together we have walked a path we can never retrace. We are changed in ways we have yet to appreciate. Our personal growth will be measured in volumes.

We have amazed even ourselves with the shear power of our numbers when focused on one vision and that we never lost sight of the challenge we faced to enhance our profession, and protect our patients.

I went to a conference years ago and Leah Curtin, a well known nursing educator and lecturer, said keep your eye on the goal, if it is good for the patients it is always the right path.

Never lose sight of the what your are looking to achieve and your successes will be many. This is our story and it should never be forgotten.

This message came across my desk tonight, What a nice surprise from a generous stranger. Thank you for your generous words of support:

<<Madam, I am a close relative of one of your RPNS and I am impressed by your steadfastness, intelligence and plain hard work!!!! Your devotion to your fellow Nurses and your cause is outstanding!!! THAT IS WHY YOU WON!>>

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++

Tonight at the Dance Joan Anderson spoke of remaining politically active and promoting our profession. You the nurses of this organization have started a chain reaction and we must see that it continues.

Today, Debbie and Mike and Lynn McC. and I attended a meeting of the Labor Coalition is Hauppauge. They are a consortium of labor leaders that are trying to help deal with the nursing shortage.

They are so impressed with our group that they want to use our energy to stir the fires in other nursing organizations across the state.

Today we set in motion the grass roots of an initiative that may end up with state wide implications for the RED STORM and all nursing organizations across the state. Stay tuned to this one.
Remember that old saying, be careful what you pray for. Well, kiddies, here we go.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This could be The RED STORMS first collective initiative on the political front. Consider coming to the following Labor Federations Congressional Forum. It is here in Hauppauge. Please scan the guest list, Oh my, Oh my, let go talk to the big guys. Come on we can do it.

Let me know if youre interested:

Event: Long Island Labor Federation's Annual Congressional Forum
Date: Monday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Confirmed guests: Ackerman, King, Israel, McCarthy, Grucci, Schumer, and
Hillary.
Program: Panel discussion then questions. Microphones will be available for
the audience.
Place: IBEW Local 25 Union Hall, 370 Vanderbilt Motor Parkway, Hauppauge
Directions: L.I.E. to Exit 55 (Motor Pkwy), left at Exit. Go about half a
mile and the Union Hall will be to your right. Big American flag outside.
Pull into the parking lot, entrance to the hall is around the back.
Their number: (631) 231-3894

It just doesn't get any better than this ...........


Good night, we are .....
on the long road back,
Barbara
>>>>>>>>>>>>>.....


One group of nurses taking a stand - refusing to let others take the care out of nursing - and it has already had such far-reaching effects.

<<Returning to work from the strike - and feeling empowered>>>

notes from the troops:

"to the members of the Red Storm,

The success of our endeavor could not have been accomplished with just the negotiating committee. The support of all of you at the table was always an inspiration to the group. Being able to talk and hear what you believed was necessary to achieve our end results was always appreciated.

From here its only upward we are able to go since as a group we believe in our objectives and causes. See you all on the hill, and I do mean the Top of the hill.

Debbie V
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++

What a wonderful time we had yesterday at our VICTORY CELEBRATION! As I looked around the room and watched everyone having such a great time, I thought how fortunate I was to be there, sharing the evening with many life time friends.

Thank you to you and the negotiating committee for your perseverance, guidance, and emotional support.

Yes, I would like to be actively involved with issues regarding the nursing shortage.
Count me in for April 8th, unless I'm mandated----JUST KIDDING!!!!!!!!
See you back at the hospital.
Love, Lorraine

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>

WAS THAT A GREAT NIGHT OR WHAT?!!!!
,
KELLY
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< <<<<<<<<

WAS THAT A PARTY OR WHAT ???
TO ALL GOING BACK INSIDE TOMORROW...GOOD LUCK !!! I'LL BE THINKING ABOUT YOU AND LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING HOW IT WAS.
IT'S A GOOD THING WE HAD ONE MORE DAY BECAUSE NOT ONLY DO MY FEET HURT BUT MY BODY IS IN PAIN !!!!!!
TAKE CARE EVERYONE........
CHRIS

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Hi Barb,

count me in for the annual labor congressional forum on 4/8.

GREAT PARTY last night........ We are all going to miss our nightly e-mails from you, kind of became part of our life.

What a WONDERFUL FAMILY we have all become, it was so evident last night.
Thanks again,
BJ

################################################## #################

Hey Barb:
I know you have heard this over and over and over...and it may be getting old, however, dear you started something....get used to it now.

I feel the reason we succeeded as well as we did is, yes, we as a group held in there for the long haul, however, WE ARE A REFLECTION OF OUR LEADER! And let me tell you, whether, you realize it or not, YOU are some hell of a leader. Thank you ... you can't even come close to the appreciation we all have of you.

Finally, Carlos and I had a super time last night. I was so happy that he came so that he could just get a "small" dosage of what I get every time I go to work. I am so fortunate to be working with a group of professional, dedicated and sincere nurses.

See ya at the top of the hill,

Nei
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++

Dear Barbara,

WHAT A PARTY!!! Do we know how to have a good time or what!?!?!? It is just what we needed to end our our time off and get the good energy flowing to get back in the building......And it is a night to remember. This is such an amazing group of people..... proud to know.

I was serious about us having an annual party to remember this journey we have taken.

Life as we know it will never be the same again for any of us.

This has been a life changing event on many levels and will have a ripple efffect not only in our personal lives but with the public!!!! How amazing is that?

It is true about power in numbers.......

With much love and gratitude,
Bonnie

================================================== =======


DEAR BARBARA,

I WAS SO PROUD TO BE AT THE PARTY LAST NIGHT. I KNEW WHAT WE WERE DOING WAS RIGHT BUT IT REALLY CLICKED LAST NIGHT. ESPECIALLY DURING THE SONG " WE ARE WOMAN!"

WHEN I WENT TO NURSING SCHOOL 39 YRS AGO, IT WAS NOT FOR MONEY OR PRESTIGE! I WANTED TO HELP PEOPLE. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN PROUD OF BEING AN RN----- BUT NOW I AM MORE SO. WE DESERVE RECOGNITION, RESPECT AND GRATITUDE FOR ALL THAT NURSES HAVE TO CONTEND WITH.

THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT. I AM HONORED TO CALL YOU A FRIEND.......
LOVE ANGELA G.

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Barbara,

Wow! I had the greatest time last nite, I think when we did that wonderful thunderous cheer the guests on the top floor were wondering "what the hell is that".

We are definitely a voice that must continue to be heard. I will be there on the 8th and I am definitely interested in other times like joan said, Albany, Washington you name the time.

Well last nite was a send off in the best direction and now that we have our spirits soaring and with our one united group, we walk in their tomorrow and show them how proud we are.

Thank you again from the bottom and top of my heart, you have shown me the way and I'm goin down the road to the end.

Love and gratitude
Debbie H.

)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) ))))))))))))))))))

B.C. Had the best time!!!!!!

So many smiling happy faces. It was great.

Again thank you and the negotiating committee. And can you please thank NYSNA for the party. It was the best moral, back to work, friendship event. Not that I don't want to go back to work but I will miss many of the new friends I've made. I hope I see them in the halls.

Did they get to you with the deal that we should have a celebratioon every year like last night on the anniversary of the contract? Not a bad idea.

Anyway I will see you at 6:30 tommorrow--I consider it my last strike event -- I was getting to be a strike junky you know.
Well gunna go soak my dancing fool feet again.
Bye.
Fitz

************************************************** ******************************************

Hi Barbara,
Just got home from the Windwatch. You know by now the ER is a bunch of die hards. Tonight was really great.. We had a great time. It was a pep rally to get us psyched up to go back. I'm really feeling ambivalent about going back, but I know we have all formed a strong bond that will keep us going.

I know too that the local hospitals are sorry to see us go back.

At Stony Brook everyone from the aides to the nurses to the MDs said how much they liked working with us and want us to stay there.

We all know there are places for us out there if we want to move on. I would never have gone and worked elsewhere if it wasn't for the strike, but I know now I can handle it. I grumble that we had to wait until the first year I have to pay college tuition at a private school no less, to go out on strike, but I'm glad we did.

Thanks to all the negotiating team for your endless hours working on our behalf.
Kathie Simmons

.................................................. .................................................. ...................

Dear Barb:
What a GREAT party we had tonite!!! It was wonderful and a fantastic way to acknowledge this long, up and down road we have been traveling these past 3.5 months. Tonite will be treasured by all. Thanks for the memories.
Love, Tina

Dare to be great....Be a nurse!!

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

BARBARA, WHAT A SPECTACULAR EVENING. THANK YOU SO MUCH. WITH MUCH LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP AND GRATITUDE
VICKIE

************************************************** **

Ok, so how about a little political activity.

One thing that too many nurses are guilty of is NOT being involved in political activity - until such time as we need the politicians. We go to them for support in our efforts and our battles and they come out to support our strikes, walk in our parades, speak at our rallys. And when the issue is resolved, we go back to work and they dont hear from us again - until the next time we need them.

We should make a concerted effort to keep the contacts & the lines of communication open with our local leaders - offer to help in a campaign, stuff envelopes, pass out flyers, etc. Or even a letter every once in a while to remind them that we are out there.

Today Mike and Lynn McC and I met with the heads of some local nurses unions. We have started what I believe is the grass roots of the NFL.

This Nursing Fellowship League is going to allow us to reach out and support other nurses facing the same diffuculties we are facing.

This is strictly nurses supporting nurses.

Our administrators and CEO's formed alliances years ago to keep up with what was happening in health care. It is time we form a collective group to handle some of the same problems, who will be surprised that we see the solutions totally differently. Not me.

I have told these councils that the Red Storm is a very strong and supportive group and many of you have said you would be willing to participate in this joint venture. So step up and be counted. It is time.

Good luck to all that are returning to the hill tomorrow, chin up, back straight, you are definately a winner with a capitol "W".

See you in the morning in front of the building at 0630, if your not working, it is just a matter of walking your coworker to their floor and then on to breakfast with your buddies. Remember to wear the sweat shirts.

Till then my friends ...............
Good night, we are .....
on the long road back,

Barbara "

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >

(St Catherines Registered Nurses
Smithtown, Long Island, NY)

<<<
Newsday
March 18, 2002

"Sweets Ease Way as Nurses Return

There had been some acrimony on both sides, but the nurses who headed back to work at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center yesterday found that it was nothing that some donuts, coffee and A NEW CONTRACT couldn't begin to cure.

And so, at 7 a.m. yesterday, the first shift of nurses who had been a part of the longest nurses' strike in Long Island history was greeted with coffee and sweets, and the encouraging words of hospital president Jim Wilson.

Wilson met the first shift in the lobby of the hospital and told the nurses he was ready to move past the strike and begin working as a team.

"He told us what we needed to hear," said Tom Gorman, a psychiatry nurse from Port Jefferson who was on the bargaining committee of the New York State Nurses' Association, which negotiated the contract. "He welcomed us with full encouragement that we will resolve any conflicts that we had."

Several nurses said they returned to work with a new appreciation for their jobs and their fellow strikers - and a new resolve that they had been doing the right thing all along.

"It was truly worth it," said maternity nurse Wendy Farrar of Smithtown, who has worked at the hospital for 21 years. "This was an experience I will never forget. It was so empowering ... I've promised myself that I'll be more politically active because of this." (This was the Newsday quote of the day - Congratulations Wendy.)

Farrar's optimism sprang from the contract the nurses approved after 111 days on the picket line. The new contract provides average raises of 15 percent to 19 percent over three years, a health retirement benefit and most important, according to the nurses, staffing guidelines and strict limits on the use of mandatory overtime.

But several nurses yesterday said the new overtime provision would be put to the test quickly, as several of their striking colleagues had decided not to return. The exact number of nurses who won't come back won't be determined until Sunday, the mandatory return-to-work date.

"They're already holding interviews" to fill the vacant positions, said maternity nurse Diane Rettig of South Setauket. "I take that as a good sign."

Another test in the weeks ahead will be how the returning nurses interact with 30 of their colleagues who crossed the picket line.

Gorman said there were two such nurses on his first shift. "It was a bit uncomfortable, and it will continue to be as they work alongside 450 nurses who were out all this time," he said. "They made an economic choice to return to work."

Rettig, Farrar and fellow maternity nurse Ann Robbins of Holbrook said the doctors, aides and other staff in their department welcomed them back with open arms - and even more sweets.

"Even the ones who didn't work today," Farrar said. "They didn't have to come in, but they did."........
http://www.newsday.com

Good night.
We are ..... finally back,
Barbara >>>>>>>>>


and this is the end of this thread.....until next time. I hope that my posting the saga about the fight these RNs waged and won for safe staffing practices, safe staffing levels, safe patient care, and their own care, as it happened, from start to finish, helped other nurses see that the power IS in our hands. All we have to do is not be afraid to use it.

Thanks to all here for supporting our nurse colleagues on Long Island, NY - my fellow union members. And much thanks to those "Red Storm" nurses for going the distance. Our efforts at our own facilities will be that much easier thanks to them.

While the lawmakers debate passing laws that will ensure safe staffing practices state-wide and nation-wide, unionized nurses are raising the standard - facility by facility.

jt