Syracuse, N.Y. — Health care workers at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse and two other State University of New York hospitals will see their overtime pay rise after a new agreement with unions.
Nurses and other health workers at Upstate, Stony Brook University Hospital and SUNY Downstate Health & Sciences will now be paid up to 2.5 times their regular hourly rate for overtime work. The normal rate is 1.5 times.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the pay bump yesterday. It lasts through the end of 2021. Officials will evaluate the increase at that point.
“This vital agreement will increase overtime pay for our overworked health care professionals at SUNY hospitals and help to recognize them for their public service,” Hochul said in a press release. “We owe healthcare professionals and hospital employees that kept have kept the doors open an enormous debt of gratitude for their work during this pandemic and this will move New York a small step in the right direction on compensation.”
The move is meant to help stem staffing shortages, according to the New York Post.
The increase is available to registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, techs, medical assistants, aides, clerks, cleaners and other patient-facing staff. It is retroactive to Sept. 16.
The three hospitals will cover the cost of the hike with operating revenue, according to Hochul’s office.
The raise comes as hospitals across the state are preparing for New York’s Covid-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers, which takes effect Monday. Many facilities have been telling workers they’ll lose their jobs if they don’t comply and some officials have said they’re worried about mass layoffs, which could worsen staffing shortages.
At Upstate, a mediator has been assigned to help resolve a standoff over the mandate between the hospital’s nurses union and the governor’s office. The union wants contractual protections and due process for workers who refuse the vaccines.
A judge recently blocked the mandate from taking effect for workers who have a religious exemption or are seeking one. The state plans to defend the mandate in court.
Hochul has said previously the state intentionally did not include a religious exemption in the mandate and has noted religious leaders worldwide have encouraged people to get the shots.
MORE ON CORONAVIRUS
Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources
NY officials say religious exemptions to vaccine mandate would weaken war against Covid-19
120 Covid vaccine clinics planned for kids, some in schools: See 1st Upstate NY sites
Syracuse Landmark Theatre sets Covid mask and vaccination rules for upcoming shows
Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com
Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598