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New York State leaders end mandatory overtime for nurses
New York State leaders end mandatory overtime for nurses
James T. Madore, New York Newsday
June 19, 2008
ALBANY - With two days left in the legislature's regular session and little apparent progress on big issues, Gov.
David A. Paterson
and lawmakers last night announced deals on working hours for nurses, barring rogue teachers and administrators from schools and extra electricity generation.
The leaders agreed to end mandatory overtime for nurses working in hospitals and nursing homes but not in home care, beginning next summer. The move is aimed at encouraging more people to become nurses, addressing a chronic shortage.
Paterson estimated 30 percent of licensed nurses aren't working in the profession - many because of mandatory overtime, which leaves them exhausted and away from their families. "This is an issue of patient care as well as workers' rights," he said.
Groups representing hospitals and nurses lauded the deal. Local 1199 of the Service Employees International Union noted
New York
will join 14 other states that already ban mandatory overtime. "We are extremely excited at the prospect that nurses will no longer be compelled to work beyond the point of safe functioning," said Pat Greenberg of the union's nurse alliance.
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