ITHACA, N.Y. (Jan. 16, 2024) — An overwhelming majority of nurses at Cayuga Medical Center have voted to unionize, marking a significant victory for about 350 registered nurses seeking better wages, staffing, and respect for their years of service. Approximately 82% of eligible nurses cast ballots in the election held on January 14-15, choosing to form the Cayuga United CWA, an affiliate of the Communication Workers of America.
Morgan Downing, a nurse at CMC, described the vote as laying “the groundwork for the generations of nurses to come after us,” reflecting a shared hope among staff for lasting change. Many nurses expressed frustration over stagnant pay and a lack of recognition for seniority, with longtime cardiac nurse Rachel Ray noting she earns roughly the same as newly hired colleagues despite 17 years on the job.
The union effort follows a decade-old attempt that ended amid controversy and staff terminations. This time, hospital leadership has pledged to respect the vote and begin contract negotiations in good faith. CWA District 1 Vice President Dennis Trainor called on management to “join us at the bargaining table and get to work improving conditions for nurses and their patients.”