Union Accuses Northwell of ‘Retaliation, Interrogation, and Surveillance’
By Lindsay Press
Over 900 nurses at South Shore University Hospital (SSUH) in Bay Shore are planning to go on strike later this month if the hospital refuses to meet their demands. The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) says it wants to put the quality of care of the patients first. In order to do that, Northwell Health has to address the nurses’ biggest concerns, which are staffing problems, pay and what the union said are “unfair labor practices.”
The nurses union says that Northwell Health and SSHU have until March 17 to offer a new contract. They said they revealed their intent to strike with enough time for the hospital staff to cover patient care while the nurses are not present.
The nurses have been working without a contract since February 28.
“Instead of prioritizing negotiating a fair contract, the Northwell/South Shore administration has interfered with the federal labor law rights of its employees by, including but not limited to engaging in retaliation, interrogation, and surveillance,” the union said in a statement. “NYSNA filed unfair labor practice charges against the hospital on Tuesday, Feb. 25.”
Joanne DeAntonio, a nurse at SSUH and president of the union’s local bargaining unit, stated, “Nurses do not want to strike, but we’re ready to do whatever it takes for our patients and our community.” Because the hospital is a Level 1 trauma center, the nurses are “being held to a higher standard, yet we’re refused higher wages,” she said. “Nurses aren’t looking to become millionaires, like the Northwell CEO, we’re simply trying to afford the cost of living while providing quality care for our patients.”
Long Island Life & Politics reached out to SSUH. “South Shore University Hospital is disappointed in NYSNA’s decision to issue a strike notice but as always, our goal is to reach a fair contract,” said hospital representative Maya Deveraux. “We remain optimistic that an agreement can be reached and will continue to bargain in good faith and look forward to positive and productive ongoing negotiations.”
— Additional reporting by Hank Russell