Paterson agrees MOT bill should be law

By DEBORAH A. MILES
In nearly 100 degree weather, PEF leaders and nurses from across the state joined other union members at a rally to tell lawmakers mandatory overtime for nurses in New York’s health care facilities has to end.

And, it paid off.

The June 10 rally attracted more than 600 supporters. It wasn’t the first time they gathered in a unified stand to call for legislation that would enhance the safety of patients. It may be the last.

On June 18, Gov. David Paterson and legislative leaders agreed to a bill that will finally get a grip on the mandatory overtime situation in health care facilities across the state.

“For almost a decade, PEF has hounded our lawmakers, urging them to make patient safety a priority as 14 other states have done,” said PEF President Ken Brynien. “At last, our determination and sense of responsibility has paid off. PEF applauds the governor for his action, and also recently retired

Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver for their bipartisan efforts to get the bill passed.”

Governor credits PEF
After announcing a three-way agreement had been reached on the bill, Gov. Paterson held a press conference in which he credited the cooperation of PEF.

“We have an agreement today that we will discontinue mandatory overtime for nurses around the state. This was an interesting discussion and a concern to many because during those overtime periods, it has been demonstrated and has been substantiated by research that the caliber and consistency of the work offered by the employee wanes the more hours they work. This is an issue of patient care, as well as workers rights,” Paterson said.

“The problem that we, from the state, presented from this negotiation is that there are a number of centers around the state, particularly in the public hospitals and rural areas. We are not exactly sure if we can adequately fill these positions without nurses working overtime.

“With the cooperation of the Public Employees Federation, which has been very helpful in this whole process, we will be able to delay the effective date of this legislation for one year to give the state a chance to adjust to this.

“PEF informed us during this discussion that 30 percent of the individuals, who have licenses to act as nurses in this state do not do so. Our hope is this legislation will bring more people into the work force, knowing they won’t have the obligation to work overtime. It is not only exhausting to the individual but is detrimental to the patients they serve,” Paterson said.

A joint effort
Brynien said the agreement and imminent signing of the legislation by Paterson represents the culmination of an ongoing effort made by PEF with 1199, the Service Employees International Union, Communication Workers of America, New York State United Teachers, New York State Nurses Association, Civil Service Employees Association and New York State AFL-CIO.

He also tipped his hat to the sponsors of the bill, Sen. Thomas Morahan and Assembly Member Aileen Gunther, whose hard work and dedication kept the issue front and center.

“I would also like to acknowledge all the PEF nurses who gave of their time and energy by attending rallies and lobbying lawmakers to reach this goal. They are also instrumental in reviving New York’s health care system,” Brynien said.

At the rally
Even though the sweltering heat forced most of the crowd to stand and cheer in the shade of the trees, there was an undercurrent that this is “the year” to get the legislation passed. Three nurses from Creedmore Psychiatric Center — Sosamma Arikupurathu, Jessy Joshy and Kamalamma Vinod — agreed if the legislation didn’t pass in 2008, New York’s health care system would be in a serious crisis.

“The issue of recruitment and retention of nurses who are in this profession is also an issue. There won’t be enough nurses to care for all the patients. It’s as simple as that,” Joshy said. “We are in this profession because we have a special calling. We love our work, but we can’t be forced to work shift after shift as it does no one any good.

“We will all have a sigh of relief if this bill ever becomes law,” she said.

And now they can.