A nurse strike at Northwell Health’s Plainview Hospital has been averted following a tentative agreement on a new contract between the health system and the nurses’ union.
In a statement to Greater Long Island, Northwell Deputy Chief Public Relations Officer Barbara Osborne said the agreement reflects the system’s commitment to its nursing staff and patient care.
“From the start of negotiations, our goal has been to reach a fair contract that supports our valued nurses and upholds the high standard of care our patients and community trust,” Osborne said. “This agreement reaffirms our commitment to enabling a supportive work environment and provides our nurses with competitive compensation and benefits.”
Osborne confirmed the union has withdrawn its strike notice at the Plainview facility.
Nurses had previously raised concerns about inadequate staffing levels and unsustainable workloads, citing nurse-to-patient ratios as a key issue.
The tentative agreement must still be voted on and formally ratified by the nurses.
Osborne said the agreement applies only to Plainview Hospital. Negotiations will continue at Huntington Hospital and Syosset Hospital, where a nurse strike remains a possibility. Without an agreement at those facilities, a strike is expected to begin Monday, according to the New York State Nurses Association.
“We remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached and will continue to work diligently toward that goal,” Osborne said.
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