Nurse/Patient Ratio Enforcement Campaign
We have received the nurse/patient ratio forms from most units and will begin tabulating the results. If your unit has not submitted the form for January, please do so immediately. It is imperative that units continue to complete these forms on each and every shift in order to supply the Union with the tools to enforce the contractual nurse/patient ratios.
Grievances and Unit Issues
As a result of a recent arbitration decision, the hospital may no longer post nurses' positions when they are out on medical leave for more than six months. RNs on medical leave are entitled to return to their own position as provided for in Article XIX §5(b). We are immensely pleased with this victory.
The Union has filed a class action grievance on behalf of 8 Uris nurses regarding low staffing, inability to take breaks, performance of non-nursing functions, and the imposition of extra-contractual responsibilities on the Resource Nurse. The grievance hearing is scheduled for February 23rd. A similar class action grievance was filed on behalf of 9 Uris nurses and has yet to be scheduled.
As reported earlier in this newsletter the Hospital has violated the contractual staffing standard for Case Managers from the moment the ink was dry. The arbitration had been scheduled for January 14th. The Hospital asked for a postponement while they reevaluate the current case management model. The Union agreed to postpone the arbitration for six months in exchange for a commitment from the Hos-
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pital that an additional Case Manager would be hired immediately. Although the agreement requires the Hospital to hire a per diem or agency Case Manager until the permanent position is filled, the Hospital has not done so. The Union is pursuing the matter.
Political Action
The Political Action Committee will regularly meet on the 4th Wednesday of every month at 9:30am (to accommodate those nurses who work nights). If you are interested in participating, please call the NYPNU office at (212) 988-5565.
Members of the committee will meet with Assemblymember Gottfried (Chair of the Assembly Health Committee) on February 23 at 11:00am following the regular monthly meeting. We will discuss with Gottfried the various nurse/patient ratio bills that have been introduced in the Assembly and find out his health care policy priorities.
The delegates voted to endorse the "In This Together" campaign, which is a broad-based coalition against the privatization of Social Security spearheaded by the Working Families Party. For more information, go to workingfamiliesparty.org.
Staff/Management Committee
The Committee continues to address the delineation of charge responsibilities.
New members are needed for this committee to represent Med/Surg, Cardiovascular, and MCH areas. Any interested persons should contact the NYPNU office.
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