Nearly 99% of unionized Phelps Hospital nurses, caregivers OK strike
SLEEPY HOLLOW - Registered nurses and other caregivers at Phelps Hospital voted with 98.9% support to authorize a strike while the 1199 SEIU-unionized workforce negotiates a first contract with the Northwell Health-run hospital.
Workers at the 238-bed hospital, who held an informational picket earlier this month, have said they want guaranteed pensions and no-cost family health insurance coverage, similar to what other Northwell workers receive. They also want more of a voice in patient care and staffing.
"It is shameful of Northwell to force us to this point," RN Anne Moss said in a statement. "We do not want to leave the bedside, but we are willing to strike if necessary.”
A strike vote gives the caregivers the authority to take the job action; however, it does not ensure a strike.
Todd Dezen, a Northwell Health spokesman, said the hospital continues to negotiate. “We remain optimistic that an agreement can be reached and will continue to bargain in good faith. We look forward to ongoing positive and productive negotiations with 1199.”
Some 900 Phelps Hospital caregivers joined 1199 SEIU in June 2022. There are two divisions: one represents about 400 registered nurses; the other represents about 500 service staff, including patient care assistants to unit clerks, transporters and more.
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“When we were fighting on COVID’s frontlines, Northwell hailed us as heroes. Now that the dust has settled, we’re forgotten,” said Alexi Matos, an administrative support assistant, in a statement.
Phelps, located in Westchester County, is part of Northwell Health, which is the largest health-care provider in the state.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Phelps nurses, caregivers OK strike at Northwell Health hospital
