🗞️ 350 Nurses at Cayuga Medical Center Unionizing Amid Staffing Crisis
Registered nurses at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, New York announced they have formed Cayuga United-CWA with the Communications Workers of America, with a supermajority signing union authorization cards.
More than 350 registered nurses at Cayuga Medical Center announced on December 3, 2025 that they have formed a union represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), with a supermajority of eligible nurses signing union authorization cards. The organizing effort is driven by deteriorating working conditions since the COVID-19 pandemic, with increasing short staffing leaving nurses caring for unsustainable numbers of patients, compromising both patient care and worker safety.
This represents the latest attempt to unionize at Cayuga Medical Center, with early efforts nearly a decade ago in 2015 citing understaffing and dissatisfaction with management. The organizing comes shortly after Cayuga Health and Arnot Health merged in January 2025 to form Centralus Health, a move approved by the New York State Department of Health in June.
The nurses are seeking voluntary recognition from hospital management to begin bargaining for a fair union contract that guarantees safe staffing levels. CWA District 1 Vice President Dennis Trainor urged Cayuga to recognize the supermajority of nurses and come to the table to improve conditions for nurses and patients.
Key Points
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Union Formation: Over 350 registered nurses formed Cayuga United-CWA, represented by the Communications Workers of America, with a supermajority signing authorization cards
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Primary Issues: Increasing short staffing since the COVID-19 pandemic leaving nurses caring for unsustainable patient loads, compromising patient care and worker safety
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Patient Safety Focus: Nurses emphasize that smaller nurse-to-patient ratios are associated with better patient outcomes, and union representation gives them a stronger voice to protect patients
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Historical Context: This follows earlier unionization attempts nearly a decade ago in 2015 that cited similar concerns about understaffing and management issues
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Recent Merger: The organizing effort comes after Cayuga Health and Arnot Health merged in January 2025 to form Centralus Health, raising concerns about potential future buyouts by larger healthcare systems
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Seeking Recognition: The union is requesting voluntary recognition from hospital management rather than proceeding directly to an NLRB election
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Local Impact: CWA Local 1111, based in Elmira, will represent the nurses and already represents workers at The Advocacy Center of Tompkins County
Primary Author: Communications Workers of America (CWA)
Primary Source: Communications Workers of America Press Release
Primary Source Link: Cayuga Medical Center Nurses Form Union with CWA
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