LIJ Valley Stream Nurses Vote In Favor Of Striking: Union

VALLEY STREAM, NY — Nurses at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream overwhelmingly voted in favor of striking, the union announced Thursday.

Approximately 99.5% of the nurses at Valley Stream and Peconic Bay Medical Center, both Northwell Health facilities, have put the hospitals on notice, giving them a 10-day notice to grab the picket signs, Newsday reported.

More than 700 nurses authorized the strike.

They cite a need for fair contracts that bring competitive wages and benefits and are also pressing for improved staffing of nurses, their union the New York State Nurses Association said.

A spokesperson for Northwell Health said: "We remain optimistic that an agreement can be reached and look forward to positive and productive ongoing negotiations."

The union claims scheduling can hurt patient care as LIJ Valley Stream has one nurse to eight patients, while other Northwell facilities maintain a 1 nurse to 6 patient ratio.

"Safe staffing is not just about safety; it's crucial for recruitment and retention, affecting both new and seasoned nurses like myself. We deserve better for our profession and the patients we serve," Sandra Armstrong, a longtime register nurse at LIJ Valley Stream, said.