REPORT: June 2006

New NYSNA contracts seek to increase RN recruiting

by Mark Genovese

RNs at two NYSNA bargaining units took steps through new contracts this spring to improve their work environments and encourage more RNs to enter the profession.

Salary boost at Lindenhurst Schools

Salaries of the 14 RNs in the Lindenhurst Union Free School District will increase 4% per year over the life of their new six-year contract for a total of 24%. The contract, approved May 11 will give the Long Island RNs an additional $3,000 across-the-board increase on July 1.

All levels of the experience scale will increase, as will “additional hours pay.” All increases in compensation for 2003 to 2006 will be retroactive. Lindenhurst RNs will also have, for the first time, an optical benefit plan. The RNs’ previous contract expired in 2003. Contract talks during the past three years proved difficult and came close to fact-finding.

The new contract will run through June 30, 2009.

Retirement health coverage at Plainview Hospital

RNs at Plainview Hospital who are age 60 with 20 years of service will be eligible, upon retirement from the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, for retirement health coverage under a new three-year contract approved on May 12. RNs will receive an annual lump sum of $2,500 to offset healthcare expenses until they reach the age of eligibility for Medicare or Medicaid or at age 65.

Salaries will increase by 3% per year for a total of 9% over the life of the contract. This will increase the base salaries for RNs from the current $60,060 to $65,629 by April 1, 2007. In addition, after a contractually required evaluation of staffing guidelines, the ratios for several units will be adjusted. The contract runs through March 31, 2008.