News

Tompkins County Legislature backs nurses’ right to unionize in 16-0 vote

Tompkins County Legislature backs nurses’ right to unionize in 16-0 vote

The Tompkins County Legislature shortly after a 16-0 vote on Tuesday, Jan. 6 that supports Cayuga Health nurses who want to unionize. Photo: Saga Communications/Tompkins County YouTube


ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Support is unanimous for nurses who want to unionize.

A resolution in the Tompkins County Legislature recognizing the rights of workers to form unions was approved Tuesday, Jan. 6 by all 16 legislators. The decision comes a week before Cayuga Health nurses are scheduled to vote on forming a union under the Communications Workers of America.

Legislator Christy Bianconi said she’s seen first-hand burnout among nursing staff.

The resolution recognizes that “nurses and healthcare professionals play a critical role in safeguarding the health, safety, and well-being of the residents of Tompkins County and the surrounding region,” and that “fair wages, comprehensive benefits, and safe staffing levels are essential to recruiting and retaining qualified nurses and ensuring high-quality patient care.”

For Legislator Judith Hubbard, the resolution is personal.

Last month, a supermajority of nurses signed authorization cards to create Cayuga United-CWA. The vote will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 14 and Tuesday, Jan. 15.

Recent Headlines

2 days ago in Entertainment, Trending

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are officially divorced after 19 years of marriage

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are divorced and legally single. A Nashville, Tennessee, judge on Tuesday issued an order dissolving the 19-year marriage of the Oscar-winning actor and the Grammy-winning country singer.

2 days ago in National, Trending

The Latest: After briefing, Johnson says he doesn’t expect US troops to deploy to Venezuela

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top officials briefed leaders in Congress late Monday on the striking military operation in Venezuela...

3 days ago in National, Trending

Wall Street opens mixed as crude oil prices continue to climb

Stocks are off to a mixed start on Wall Street. The S&P 500 edged up 0.1% in the first few minutes of trading Tuesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was essentially...

3 days ago in Trending, World

Security forces clash with protesters in Iran’s main market as at least 35 killed in demonstrations

Protesters angry over Iran's ailing economy conducted a sit-in Tuesday at Tehran's Grand Bazaar, witnesses said, with security forces ultimately firing...

3 days ago in National, Trending

The nation’s 250th anniversary arrives with a call for year-round community service

The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission wants to turn America's 250th birthday celebration into the country's single biggest year for volunteering.