Members of the New York State Nurses Association have voted to authorize a strike at Northwell Health's Staten Island University Hospital in New York City.
Nurses voted in favor of strike authorization by more than 97%, according to the NYSNA.
The vote comes as the union is in negotiations with hospital management on behalf of 1,300 nurses at SIUH, whose current labor contract expires on March 31.
Union representatives say nurses seek a fair agreement that protects quality care for patients. They also contend that members have voiced concerns about pay at SIUH and what is described as frequent understaffing that hinders high-quality patient care.
SIUH nurse Adriana DeLeon, RN, said in a March 13 news release, "During my short time here, I've seen so many nurses leave because we are often so understaffed that it feels like we're working while on fire. I've only been here for two years, but I'm already considered a 'seasoned' nurse on my unit because turnover is so high. I want to go home at the end of the day and believe that I did the best that I could for my patients, but it's hard when we’re expected to be in more than one place at a time."
A statement that Northwell shared with Becker's states that SIUH has met with the union for several negotiation sessions and will continue to bargain in good faith to reach a fair agreement.
"Our goal is to reach an agreement that continues to provide our valued nurses with competitive compensation and benefits and ensures a safe, supportive working environment that enables them to provide exceptional care that our patients and community have come to trust," the statement reads.
"We remain optimistic that an agreement can be reached and look forward to positive and productive ongoing negotiations."
The strike authorization vote follows approvals of new labor deals at Northwell's Long Island Jewish Valley Stream (N.Y.) and Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead, N.Y.