NYSNA Nurses at Hospital in Bay Shore Vote to Allow a Strike Amid Contract Negotiations

Nurses represented by New York Nurses Association (NYSNA) have voted to authorize a strike at Northwell Health’s South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, NYSNA announced Friday afternoon.

About 99% of the nearly 800 nurses who work at South Shore University Hospital voted in favor of authorizing a strike, but will not yet go on strike. The move authorizes NYSNA leaders to give a 10-day notice to strike at any time.

“We do not take striking lightly, and many of our members never thought it would come to this. But after months of negotiations, Northwell is still unwilling to listen to the nurses and deliver a contract that will help staff this hospital safely to deliver the care our community deserves,” said Chrysse Blau, R.N., NYSNA local president at South Shore University Hospital. “Next week we head back to the bargaining table and will continue to negotiate in good faith for a fair contract that ensures safe staffing.”

Blau added that, “We don’t want to strike, but we will if Northwell gives us no choice.”

South Shore University Hospital’s nurses’ contract expired on Feb. 28, 2022 and negotiations have lasted many months, according to NYSNA.

“South Shore University Hospital is aware of the strike vote,” said Miriam Sholder, a spokesperson for Northwell. “We remain optimistic that an agreement can be reached and look forward to positive and productive negotiations next week. We are proud of the longstanding excellent care our dedicated nursing team provides and that our patients and community have come to trust.

The move comes after NYSNA nurses in New York City went on strike to win a fair contract. Nurses from Mount Sinai Hospital and Montefiore Medical Center went on strike for three days and ultimately agreed on a contract that included improved safety measures, increased wages, safe staffing levels, and secure health benefits.