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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 citys 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 bachelors and masters 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.
Weve been working to improve the working conditions of these
members since 2000. Its 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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