Barbara Crane, president of the NYSNA at St. Catherine, explained that the union decided to invite any member who wanted to observe the entire December 11 negotiating session. "We met in a big room and set up microphones so everyone could hear everything that was said. And when union members had questions or suggestions for the negotiating team they could pass them a note."

"I think a lot of nurses were disappointed that there wasn't any progress today," she added. "But they're also angry after watching how the hospital acted toward us at the session. It really proved that the strike is not just about the specific issues like mandatory overtime, retirement benefits, and staffing ratios, but it's about being treated with respect."

In preparation for the negotiations, 150 people participated in a candlelight vigil December 7. A union membership meeting is scheduled for December 12 to discuss the negotiations. The mediator has scheduled the next negotiating session for December 19.

The nurses are urging supporters to join them on the picket line, which is up every day from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For directions check their web site at www.nysna.org. The union has also established a strike fund. Send contributions to NYSNA Economic & General Welfare Program, Attn: Anne Parrish or Marilyn Bauer, 120 Wall St., 23rd floor, New York, NY 10005. Make checks payable to "NYSNA St. Catherine's Strike Fund."  
 
 
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