Cayuga Medical Center Nurses Form Union with CWA

ITHACA, N.Y. — Today, registered nurses at Cayuga Medical Center announced that they have formed a union, Cayuga United-CWA, represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA). A supermajority of eligible nurses have signed union authorization cards, indicating their desire to form a union with CWA. Cayuga United-CWA is seeking voluntary recognition from hospital management in order to begin bargaining a fair union contract that protects patients and nurses by guaranteeing safe staffing at Cayuga Medical Center.

Nurses are organizing because of deteriorating conditions that impact both their working conditions and patient care. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses have seen increasing short staffing that can leave nurses caring for an unsustainable number of patients, compromising patient care and worker safety. 

“Unions are important in health care because they are associated with better patient outcomes.  Many nurses enter health care out of a sincere desire to help others, which can make us vulnerable to being overloaded at work,” said Heather Bretz, a 4N RN. “Unfortunately, the patient pays the ultimate price for this. Evidence clearly shows smaller nurse to patient ratios mean better patient outcomes. Participation in a union means I have a stronger voice when it comes to protecting my patients.”

Registered nurses at Cayuga Medical Center are committed to providing the highest quality of care possible to every patient in their care. By joining CWA, the nurses seek to have a voice that is heard by hospital administration. 

“I want a union to ensure we have the resources to provide excellent patient care and put the patient first,” said Jacki Thompson, a 4N Educator. “I want to amplify our voices so that we have a place at the table.  I want to make sure that our hospital does not lose sight of its mission as we face a possible buyout from a larger healthcare system or insurer.”

Earlier this year, NY Department of Health PHHPC officially approved the merger of Cayuga and Arnot health centers into Centralus Health, citing the need to avoid the closure of Arnot through the partnership. 

“The Ithaca community and the dedicated nurses at Cayuga Medical Center deserve safe staffing,” said CWA District 1 Vice President Dennis Trainor. “When we invest in our nurses, we are investing in the health of this community. We do not have a moment to lose – I urge Cayuga to recognize the supermajority of nurses who have declared for their union, and come to the table so that we can get to work improving conditions for nurses and their patients.”

Cayuga United-CWA represents more than 350 registered nurses at Cayuga Medical Center.

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