In May 2024, registered nurses and other workers represented by 1199SEIU gathered outside Phelps Memorial Hospital in Sleepy Hollow to protest for their first contract after 18 months of unionizing. The workers, who number around 900, including registered nurses and caregivers, voted with overwhelming support (98.9%) to authorize a strike while negotiating with Northwell Health, who runs the facility.
During an informational picket earlier this month, the workers expressed their desire for guaranteed pensions, no-cost family health insurance coverage, and a greater voice in patient care and staffing. RN Anne Moss stated that it is disappointing for Northwell to push them to the brink of a strike, emphasizing that they do not want to leave patients but are prepared to strike if necessary. Although a strike vote has been authorized, the strike itself is not guaranteed.
Todd Dezen, a spokesperson for Northwell Health, mentioned that negotiations are ongoing, and they are hopeful for a positive outcome. Phelps Hospital caregivers joined 1199SEIU in 2022, with separate divisions representing registered nurses and other service staff such as patient care assistants and transporters. Alexi Matos, an administrative support assistant expressed disappointment in Northwell’s treatment of frontline workers post-COVID stating that they were hailed as heroes during the pandemic but now feel forgotten. Phelps Hospital is situated in Westchester County and is part of Northwell Health, the largest healthcare provider in New York State.