Frances Spreer Albert, CPA Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer of Albany Medical Center | Albany Medical Health System
Frances Spreer Albert, CPA Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer of Albany Medical Center | Albany Medical Health System
Albany Medical Center has presented a final contract proposal to the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) after 30 weeks of negotiations. The proposal includes wage increases and enhanced benefits for nurses, which Albany Med has been eager to implement.
Dennis P. McKenna, MD, President and CEO of Albany Med Health System, stated, “It is time to move forward... Today we presented our best and final offer. We’re ready to give our nurses the benefits they have more than earned. Now it’s time for the union to take the deal.”
The proposed contract features base hourly wage increases that could amount to over $11,000 annually, retroactive from August 1, 2024. It also includes improved benefits such as preceptor pay and increased tuition reimbursement. Additionally, recruitment and retention efforts are heightened under this proposal.
A significant point in the negotiations is whether nurses should be required to pay union dues. Dr. McKenna emphasized, “Not all nurses pay dues, and not all nurses want to pay dues... It’s time for NYSNA to listen to our nurses too.”
The union has one week to respond to the offer. Albany Med's progress towards an agreement has been hindered by NYSNA's insistence on mandatory union dues for all nurses.
The proposal is also influenced by ongoing negotiations with CDPHP regarding withheld payments totaling up to $50 million. If unresolved, these financial issues could affect hospital finances next year and impact retroactive pay if no agreement is reached with NYSNA.
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