(photo Facebook 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East)
Nurses, represented by Local 1199 SEIU, picketed New York Presbyterian Queens Hospital this week, as they are looking to the hospital’s administration to negotiate a new contract to protect their health care, provide higher wages and maintain their retirement benefits.
The demonstration did not interfere with services within the hospital as the picket took place during the nurse’s non working hours.
The Union and nurses do not believe the hospital has negotiated in good faith. The nurses contend that the hospital is requiring them to pay into their health care package, which will reduce their health care benefits.
The stance that the hospital has taken is disheartening, particularly during this pandemic when the nurses have been on the frontlines from day 1, and they remain on the frontlines.
According to amNY, Charlie Raffanello, a senior nurse at the facility, said the hospital has not offered them a fair contract.
Borough President-elect Richards said he came out to support the “front-line workers who braved COVID-19. We stand with the workers, people who put their lives on the line during this pandemic. The front line workers need to be treated with respect and dignity – that’s why I’m here. Society shouldn’t celebrate them and then try to cut their benefits. They need and deserve their benefits.”
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