NEW YORK – The Communications Workers of America District 1, 1199SEIU and the New York State Nurses Association issued statements today in support of new, safe staffing legislation introduced in both the Senate and Assembly.
Two pieces of legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and Senator Gustavo Rivera would establish a process for setting and enforcing safe staffing minimum standards at every hospital and nursing home.
“We are pleased to see the Legislature take up these important bills after decades of advocacy from the CWA and our union partners. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the longtime crisis of inadequate staffing in our state’s hospitals, resulting in countless preventable deaths, sickness and hardship for our members,” Vice President of CWAD1 Dennis Trainor said. “As we continue our recovery and repair our healthcare system, we must address this long-term issue and ensure that the most vulnerable New Yorkers receive the highest- level of care. We urge the Senate and Assembly to move forward with this vital legislation, and are grateful for their leadership on this issue.”