Oneida Health Hospital Nurses Hold ‘Speak-Out’ Demanding that Management Settle a Fair Contract | Health [Video]

ONEIDA, N.Y. — Nurses have been vocal about their concerns and continue to seek a contract that includes enforceable safe staffing standards, strategies for retaining experienced nurses and fair wages and benefits.

On Wednesday, January 22, members of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) at Oneida Health Hospital held a speak-out event.

The event was a way to encourage management to negotiate a fair contract that emphasizes safe staffing and a plan for nurse retention, ensuring safe patient care.

On Dec. 30, just prior to the expiration of their contract, hospital management threatened to halt negotiations, according to a union statement.

After nurses protested and engaged a federal mediator, discussions were able to continue, the organization representing the nurses said.

Nurses are demanding enforceable safe staffing standards per New York law, alongside better wages and benefits.

“NYSNA recently filed an unfair labor charge (ULP) in response to Oneida’s attempt …