Albany Medical Center Nurses Approve New Labor Contract

Albany Medical Center nurses represented by the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) have voted to approve a new four-year labor contract. The contract includes wage increases and enhanced benefits that position Albany Medical Center as the regional leader in nursing compensation.

“Our goal has always been a new contract that is best for our nurses and advances our ability to provide safe, quality patient care,” said Albany Med Health System President and CEO Dennis P. McKenna, MD. “This contract reflects the respect and admiration that our nurses earn every day. We thank our nurses for their continued dedication. We also thank NYSNA for their collaboration on an agreement that puts our nurses first.”

Highlights of the contract include:

• A 21 percent increase to the starting rate of pay from $33 to $40 per hour
• An increase to the rate of pay for current nurses of at least 13 percent, with most wages increasing by 17 percent
• Additional wage increases over the next two years
• Enhanced incentives for nurses who work specific shifts or hold mentorship roles
• Increased reimbursement for tuition and continuing education
• A standard vacation scheduling policy

Current nurses and those with employment offers active prior to today are not required to pay union dues. New nurses who applied after today would become dues-paying union members but can choose whether to continue paying dues after four months of employment.

As part of the agreement, hospital staffing plans will continue to be set by Albany Medical Center’s own clinical staffing committee. It includes nurses, support staff, and hospital leadership. This committee also developed the current plan, which was approved by the New York State Department of Health.

“Our team performs incredible work that has a lasting impact on those we have vowed to serve,” Dr. McKenna said. “Now, we move forward together for our patients, our workforce, and for our communities.”