Hospital Yanks Insurance From Brooklyn Nurses Following Strike Deal

BROOKLYN, NY — Brooklyn Hospital Center abruptly cut health benefits for hundreds of nurses just weeks after sealing a strike-avoiding union deal.

Nurses report the hospital halted health and pension payments back in October, despite contract promises to protect them. The lapse led to a Monday speak-out where NYSNA members demanded overdue contributions to reinstate coverage.

That hard-won agreement earlier this year had secured safe staffing and violence protections alongside benefits. Yet three straight months of missed payments prompted the NYSNA Benefits Fund to cut off health insurance as of Feb. 1.

Nurses without coverage are urging the hospital to make immediate payments to restore their health insurance and protect their families.

“While NYSNA nurses who care for our Brooklyn communities are losing their healthcare, executives are getting paid millions, said NYSNA President Nancy Hagans. "The Brooklyn Hospital Center is breaking their commitment to their hard working nurses. A hospital that refuses to protect those who care for patients puts patients and the community at risk."

Nurses say the lapse is hitting during one of the worst flu seasons on record. They note the hospital can easily afford to cover their care, as executives pulled in over $8 million last year—including CEO Gary Terrinoni's nearly $2 million salary.

"These greedy hospital executives need to reinstate nurses' benefits now," Hagans added.

The Brooklyn Hospital Center did not immediately respond to Patch's request for comment.