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Nurse/Patient Ratios Enforcement Campaign
The first quarter of data collection ended on 3/31/05. Some units have been very good in completing the monthly staffing documentation forms. Other units have not. As you know, the nurse/patient ratios in our contract are now subject to arbitration, but only on a hospital-wide basis. Without concrete evidence of ratio violation from every unit, our only recourse is to rely on the data provided by management. It is imperative that nurses complete the ratio forms for every shift and return the completed forms to their delegates. The Union’s ability to enforce the contract depends on you.
Grievances and Unit Issues
A class action grievance on behalf of the 8 Uris staff regarding charge/resource responsibilities, nurse/patient ratios, and failure to receive breaks was heard on 2/23. The Hospital failed to respond in writing. The Union has filed for arbitration.
Class action grievances concerning nurse/patient ratios, inability to take breaks and non-nursing functions were filed on behalf on 9 Uris RNs and 4 Lachman/4 East RNs. These grievances were heard on 3/24 and 3/29 respectively. Management’s response for both grievances is overdue. If no response is received, these grievances will also go to arbitration.
A grievance on the right of nurses who already live in hospital housing to transfer to other units will be heard on April 19th. The Hospital agreed to keep the disputed apartment vacant until a decision is rendered.
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The Hospital responded to a class action grievance in which the Union objected to nurses being selectively required to sign in at the nursing office as a remedy for tardiness. The Hospital agreed that the primary method for addressing lateness is the existing disciplinary process.
Manager Evaluations
Several years ago the Union asked members to evaluate their managers using a form disseminated by NYPNU. The Delegate Assembly has decided that it is time to evaluate the managers again. Look for your evaluation form in the mail. It will also be available on the NYPNU website. Please complete these evaluations and return them to a NYPNU delegate or the Union office.
Political Action
NYPNU has endorsed Jack Lester in the Democratic primary for City Council (4th District). LHH and MEETH are both located in the 4th District. Mr. Lester has a long-standing commitment to protecting the rights of workers, tenants, and voters.
The Political Action Committee will now meet at 2:00pm on the 1st Wednesday of every month. Lunch will be provided. We are currently coordinating efforts with other nurses’ unions to pass a state-wide nurse/patient ratio disclosure bill. For more information, please contact Naomi at the Union office.
The Working Families Party’s interviews with mayoral candidates will be held on May 11th at 5:30pm at Local 802 of the Musicians Union, 322 W. 48th St. The event is only open to WFP members, but you can pay at the door. Since NYPNU is an affiliate of the WFP, dues are only $30/year.
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