Brookhaven members highlight workplace concerns for lawmakers

lack of safe staffing ratios and accountability are big problems for New York state healthcare professionals. That’s why Long Island Community Hospital staffers Linda Raymer, Daniel Molloy, Desiree Moore, Joann Fowler and Kristin Thoden met with state lawmakers recently to discuss their concerns.

All are members of Brookhaven Memorial Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, a NYSUT local representing nearly 700 nurses and healthcare professionals at the Patchogue, Long Island hospital. They met in early October with Assemblymember Doug Smith, Sen. Dean Murray, Sen. Monica Martinez and reps for Sen. Anthony Palumbo and Assemblymember Keith Brown. The local is in a tough contract fight and establishing staffing ratios and a lack of accountability at the facility are key issues.

“We addressed the loopholes in the current safe staffing state legislation and the lack of accountability among hospitals and nursing homes,” said Moore, Brookhaven MFNHP president. “Five of us from different areas of the hospital voiced these concerns, and the politicians were very receptive, asking many questions. It feels like a positive step forward.”

Another issue is salary.

The hospital implemented so-called “fair market value” increases for RNs that were anything but, said Moore. “The hospital’s analysis didn’t include other NYU campuses or our biggest competitor, Northwell, and it also negatively impacted our most senior staff,” she explained. “We’re seeking substantial increases for both new and experienced members … other NYU workers earn as much as 7 to 10 percent more.”

The lawmaker meeting is just the beginning, continued Moore. The local plans to launch a communitywide petition highlighting problems. “We’re tackling these issues at the bargaining table and will continue to escalate them to Albany!”