Registered nurses at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, N.Y., have launched a campaign to unionize, according to statements from the hospital and the Communications Workers of America.
The union, operating under the name Cayuga United-CWA, said a supermajority of eligible nurses have signed union authorization cards and is seeking voluntary recognition from the hospital. Staffing concerns and a desire for a stronger voice with administration are among the primary drivers of the effort, according to the group.
“Unions are important in healthcare because they are associated with better patient outcomes,” Heather Bretz, RN, said in a union statement. “Evidence clearly shows smaller nurse-to-patient ratios mean better patient outcomes. Participation in a union means I have a stronger voice when it comes to protecting my patients.”
The National Labor Relations Board allows union formation via an election if at least 30% of workers sign cards or a petition showing support, according to its website. Employers may also voluntarily recognize a union based on signed cards or other evidence of majority support.
If an election is scheduled and nurses vote to unionize, CWA would represent more than 350 nurses at the hospital.
The union push comes nearly a year after Cayuga Health System merged with Elmira, N.Y.-based Arnot Health to form Centralus Health, a five-hospital system.
In a statement shared with Becker’s, Cayuga Medical Center said it respects the right of nurses to pursue a secret ballot vote and emphasized the importance of direct collaboration.
“We know that open communication and strong collaboration with our nurses is essential to meeting their needs, and those of our community,” the statement said. “We believe that we can do that best by working with the nurses directly to address their feedback.
“Patient care is uninterrupted and our primary focus remains on delivering the highest standard of patient care and ensuring Cayuga Medical Center remains a great place to work and heal.”
Because the NLRB process is ongoing, hospital leaders declined to offer additional comment.
