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Oyster Bay board OKs Polar Plunge at TOBAY Beach By MIKE POLANSKY correspondent
Carolyn James/Herald
Ryan Stanton of the LI Federation of Labor, left, and S.C. Leg. Sam Gonzalez, right, stand in support of nurses at rally. At left union officials Joanne DeAntonio, NYSNA President Nancy Hagans and Jenna Kuhn-Plaza address their members.
Northwell nurses hold rally demanding fair contract and adequate staffing By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Members of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) at Northwell Health/ South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore gathered outside the hospital last week to demand that Northwell negotiate a fair contract. The nurses and their union leaders have been pushing for months for improved staffing, higher wages, and better benefits to help recruit and retain nurses and ensure quality care. “It is crucial that nurses have adequate staffing to protect both patients and the community,” said Joanne DeAntonio, president of the local union. Nurses have raised concerns about the challenges of understaffing, especially during breaks when managers cannot meet minimum staffing standards. A July/August 2024 poll found that nurses reported lacking break coverage on more than 61 percent of shifts. Union members voted 99 percent in favor of authorizing a strike unless a fair contract
is reached. Marie Boyle, a nurse for five decades and a member of the union’s board, said striking is a last resort. However, the vote gives elected nurse leaders the authority to submit a 10-day strike notice to management, though negotiations will continue. Over 900 nurses could strike if no tentative agreement is reached. “Of course,” Boyle said, “the goal is to settle.” Entry-level nurses earn $99,000 annually. Northwell has offered a 2 percent raise, which Boyle said does not keep pace with inflation. However, Boyle emphasized that the issue goes beyond money. “The real goal is to secure a contract that encourages young nurses to stay in the profession,” she said. “We’re losing bright, young nurses because the job is too difficult, and maintaining adequate staffing is a challenge.” Some nurses are concerned that staffing shortages could affect their ability to provide adequate care and jeopardize their licenses. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
The annual Oyster Bay “Polar Plunge” will take place at TOBAY Beach on Saturday, March 29. The event, which benefits the Special Olympics, was approved at the recent town board meeting, led by Supervisor Joseph Saladino, who has participated every year since taking office in 2017. He is expected to take part again this year. Donations and sponsorships are encouraged at all levels. Participants who raise $150 will receive the official 2025 Polar Plunge hoodie. Those who raise $500 by March 7 will be able to sponsor a local Special Olympics New York athlete, with their name featured on the back of the official Plunge hoodies. Fundraisers who collect $1,000 for the event will receive a long-sleeve T-shirt to acknowledge their support. Additionally, those who raise $2,500 will receive an exclusive Polar Plunge Snuggie in recognition of their fundraising achievements. All proceeds from the event benefit Special Olympics New York, supporting year-round sports training and competi-
tion for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The funds provide these athletes with opportunities at no cost to them or their families, while also raising awareness of intellectual disabilities in New York. Registration for the Polar Plunge will begin at 9 a.m. on March 29, with the plunge scheduled to start at 11 a.m. The Oyster Bay Polar Plunge is part of a series of 10 events across the state, led by the Rochester Polar Plunge on February 2. The Oyster Bay event, initiated in 2014, has been held annually at TOBAY Beach, except for March 2020, when it was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In other business at the February 25 meeting, the town board: •Authorized a “Hometown Heroes Program” to honor all Town of Oyster Bay veterans and active-duty personnel who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces or the National Guard. •Approved two Town of Oyster Bay car shows at TOBAY Beach, scheduled for April 27 (rain date May 3) and September 28 (rain date October 5). •Authorized the “Shootout CONTINUED ON PAGE 4