OCTOBER 2018
A NEWSLETTER FOR NYSNA RNs AT NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS
H+H Nurses Get Ready to Bargain! On September 28-29, our recently elected NYC H+H Bargaining Committee gathered for an in depth training to review the timeline and next steps in bargaining a new contract. We had a lively conversation about the considerations and challenges of bargaining in the public sector. “We need to get organized and get the power to win improvements in our contract,” said Judith Cutchin, RN, NYSNA NYC H+H/Mayorals President and NYSNA Board Member. “This is really the theme of our campaign and why we need all nurses to take an active role in bargaining.” “It’s not just what we say at the bargaining table and how good our proposals are, but how we show up and demand what we want throughout this contract campaign,” added Sean Petty, RN, when he reportedback on the bargaining training at the October 3 H+H/ Mayorals Executive Council Meeting. Judith and Sean outlined our immediate next steps, including sending leaders back to each H+H facility with bargaining surveys. Members set the priorities for bargaining, so it’s vital that all nurses complete a
bargaining survey and return it to your facility leaders or a NYSNA Representative as soon as possible. If you cannot find any surveys on your unit, please contact henry.rose@nysna.org. Beyond filling out a survey, we are looking for nurses to volunteer to join the Contract Action Team (CAT). CAT leaders are central to getting us organized, collecting surveys, mobilizing for actions to win our demands, and spreading the word to our colleagues about what’s happening through every step of the campaign. To join CAT, talk to your facility leaders or Rep. We have a lot to do between now and June 5, when our contract expires. Stayed tuned for another opportunity to get involved—by attending a daylong Bargaining Conference for all members. You will receive a Save the Date notice soon. Harlem Hospital’s Kittie McGee, RN gave this feedback at the Executive Council meeting: “I’ve been a nurse at H+H and an active member of this union for years, and I love the new enthusiasm I see. To me, bargaining is all about fighting for nurses and winning for patients.”