Nurses’ Fight for Fairness: Phelps Hospital Unionizes, but Strike Vote Leaves Future Uncertain

Registered Nurse Anne Moss expressed her disappointment in Northwell Health for pushing them to consider striking in order to achieve their demands. The unionized workers at Phelps Hospital, represented by 1199SEIU, gathered outside the facility in Sleepy Hollow to rally for their rights on May 1, 2024. Despite unionizing in June 2022, negotiations for a contract are ongoing 18 months later.

The workers at Phelps Hospital, which has 238 beds, are seeking guaranteed pensions, no-cost family health insurance coverage, and greater involvement in patient care and staffing decisions. RN Anne Moss stated that they prefer not to leave the bedside, but are prepared to strike if necessary in order to achieve their goals. While the strike vote was passed by an overwhelming 98.9% support, it does not guarantee a strike will occur.

Northwell Health continues to negotiate with the unionized workers. The hospital’s spokesman, Todd Dezen, expressed optimism in reaching an agreement and affirmed their commitment to bargaining in good faith. Despite being hailed as heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic, some workers feel forgotten now, including administrative support assistant Alexi Matos.

Phelps Hospital is part of Northwell Health, the largest healthcare provider in the state. With a divided workforce of around 900 caregivers