Members at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mt Kisco, New York, unanimously voted to ratify their second contract including the ‘gold standard’ League benefits on May 12.

Since the facility was taken over by Northwell Health, the bargaining committee argued that members are entitled to the same wages and benefits as the rest of the hospital system.

Despite all the dedication and sacrifice that 1199ers endured during the COVID-19 pandemic, management was determined to drive a hard bargain.

But the Union was even tougher. After months of intense bargaining and taking to the streets for an informational picket, members won wage parity with League minimum rates.

The employer-paid 1199 Health, Pension, Training, Job Security and Child Care Funds were also included in the contract.

1199 Magazine: May / June 2022