LIJ Valley Stream Nurses Ratify New 3-Year Contract

VALLEY STREAM, NY — Nurses at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream have avoided a strike. Nurses, Wednesday night, ratified a new three-year contract with Northwell Health, the New York State Nurses Association announced.

More than 85 percent voted in favor of ratification at LIJ Valley Stream and Northwell Health/Peconic Bay Medical Center.

There are approximately 300 registered nurses at LIJ Valley Stream. The hospital's pact is in effect from Jan. 1, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2026 and achieves:

• Improvements to safe staffing standards, including in surgical and emergency department units.
• Addition of new nurse positions in the emergency department holding area.
• Improved benefits, including pension
• Average wage increases of 19.3 percent added to the base registered nurse rate over three years, with more money based on experience.

"LIJ Valley Stream was one of the hardest hit hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic and I think that made us even more determined to fight for our rights and for our patients during these negotiations," Sandra Armstrong, RN, a veteran nurse leader at LIJ Valley Stream. "I am hopeful our new contract will help us keep more of our new and experienced nurses, and ultimately help us deliver the quality care our community deserves.:"