Albany Med nurses picket as new contract negotiations continue

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Nurses at Albany Medical Center picketed outside the hospital and held a candlelight vigil Tuesday as negotiations on a new contract continue.

Nurses have been working without a contract for three weeks after their last deal expired at the end of July. The two sides agreed to go to mediation.

The union representing nurses said more needs to be done to improve staffing and cut down on patient wait times. A very passionate crowd gathered to share their grievances.

"The nurses are disregarded and devalued for our expertise. We are licensed professionals, and we will not be shamed or silenced for upholding our oath and duty of being patient advocates. Enough is enough!"

In a statement, Albany Med said their staffing plans have been compliant with the law, saying in-part, "More than half of our total budget is dedicated to salaries and benefits because our workforce is our most important asset. Over the last several years, more staff have joined us than have left."