The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) commends Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver for his leadership in passing the Mandatory Overtime Bill (A1898A/S125) sponsored by Assembly Member Aileen Gunther.
We urge the senate to follow suit on this critical health care issue. No one wants a nurse who has worked 16 consecutive hours to be the caregiver for their loved one. This bill is the first step toward ensuring that no longer happens.
“PEF first raised this important issue nearly a decade ago with a small group of nurses who rallied at the state Capitol, said PEF President Ken Brynien. “That rally cry grew year after year. Nurses wanted their voices heard, as the stress and demand on the job put patient safety at risk. Last month, more than 700 nurses from five unions joined forces demanding action. We are thankful the Assembly leadership had the vision to finally pass this bill. We urge the Senate to do the same.”
The bill restricts consecutive hours of required work by nurses, with appropriate exceptions for emergencies. It does not prohibit a nurse from voluntarily working overtime. For years, nurses have been required to work long overtime hours, often including double shifts which increases the risk of errors, erodes family life and discourages people from entering the nursing profession.
“This is long overdue,” said PEF Statewide Nurses Committee Chair Doris Dodson. “This year, we returned to Albany with an expanded coalition and revised strategy determined to get this bill passed. Safe, quality patient care cannot be valued if the health care provider is not valued and protected.”
“Eleven other states have passed similar laws or regulations,” Brynien said. “We urge the senate to follow suit on this critical health care issue. No one wants a nurse who has worked 16 consecutive hours to be the caregiver for their loved one. This bill is the first step toward ensuring that no longer happens.”
Source: New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF)
