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PEP Oct. 2006
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Public Employee Press

School Nurses win holidays and year-round benefits

By ALFREDO ALVARADO

United Federation of Nurses and Epidemiologists Local 436 won a major victory when they recently concluded an economic agreement with the Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene.

The pact provides year-round health insurance, full-time union welfare fund benefits and paid holidays for the Public Health Nurses who work in the city’s public schools.

“This has been our priority for the last several years. With the help of the Negotiating Committee, we have finally gotten these benefits for our members,” said Local 436 President Gloria E. Acevedo.

Beginning with the 2006-07 school year, all Public Health Nurses and Junior PHNs in the Bureau of School Health who work 35 hours per week will receive 12 paid holidays, recurring increment payments, bereavement leave, and a full-time uniform allowance in addition to year-round health insurance and DC 37 Health and Security Fund benefits.

Those who work 30 hours per week will receive year-round health insurance and welfare fund benefits, the 12 paid holidays and a pro-rated uniform allowance.

In addition, all PHNs and JPHNs are now eligible for the education differential (for bachelor’s and master’s degrees) and tuition reimbursement.

In order for them to receive the new benefits throughout the year, salaries will now be paid out over 12 months instead of 10. Total annual earnings will actually increase because of the new benefits, but members will no longer be eligible for unemployment insurance when school is not in session during the summer.

“We’ve been working to improve the working conditions of these members since 2000. It’s a great victory and the Negotiating Committee did a great job,” said Michele Trester, assistant director of the DC 37 Research and Negotiations Dept.

The Negotiating Committee was led by President Acevedo and included Judy Arroyo, Robin Corselo, JoAnn Deschazo, Mary Lawson, Carol McDonald, Norma Torres and Cheryl Watley.

Acevedo thanked Professional Division Assistant Director Hector Coto and DC 37 Rep Stephanie Miller for “working closely with the committee” and Trester and Research and Negotiations Director Dennis Sullivan for their “important input” in reaching the settlement.

 

 

 

 
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