Nurses and Albany Med Remain in Contract Negotiations
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – Seven months of negotiations for nurses and still no contract has left the hospital community frustrated. Both sides told NEWS10’s Anthony Krolikowski that the other is being unreasonable.
New Generation of Workers and Heated Topics
Hourly rates for the new generation of workers are just one of many heated topics. “Our current proposal would increase that from $33 an hour to $37.50 per hour immediately. Next year, that would increase to $38.50 per hour and with merit increase, it would move up to $39.66,” stated Dennis P. McKenna, MD, President and CEO of the Albany Med Health System.
Safe Staffing Ratios and Enough Nurses on the Clock
As a contract negotiator and RN, Kathryn Dupuis says Albany Med is not considering the competition with its goal of hiring more than 300 employees in 2025. “Unfortunately that doesn’t leave us in the market. That would leave us in the market until I think March of next year where Ellis’ starting rates would be even higher than that.”
Besides pay, Dupuis adds that the biggest issue is making sure there are enough nurses on the clock. “We are fighting for safe staffing ratios. We are fighting for the ability to enforce the staffing ratios that the state has. It’s a two-to-one ratio in an ICU. Not a three-to-one and that should never be acceptable.”
Negotiations on Benefits and More
The two also can’t agree on benefits. “Our benefits are so expensive,” said Dupuis. “We were asking for free benefits with a $25 fee for each dependent additional. They shouldn’t be going up by up to 10% over the quarter of a contract.”
McKenna responded by listing the benefits in the current proposal, including the preceptor pay, charge pay, premium pay, and optionality of dues.
Conclusion
NYSNA will be going back to the table on December 17 to continue negotiations. Albany Med’s final proposal is still available to sign but without the previously offered retroactive pay. The nurses remain frustrated with the hospital community, and it’s unclear when a contract will be reached.
FAQs
Q: What are the main issues in the contract negotiations?
A: Hourly rates, safe staffing ratios, and benefits are the main issues.
Q: What is Albany Med’s proposal for the new generation of workers?
A: The proposal increases the hourly rate from $33 to $37.50 per hour immediately, to $38.50 per hour next year, and up to $39.66 with merit increase.
Q: What is NYSNA’s concern about safe staffing ratios?
A: NYSNA is fighting for the ability to enforce safe staffing ratios, specifically a two-to-one ratio in the ICU, and is concerned that Albany Med is not considering the competition.
Q: What is the date for the next round of negotiations?
A: The next round of negotiations will be on December 17.
