MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. – Nurses are demanding a fair contract at Garnet Health Medical Center after their latest contract expired in September 2025.
Dozens of healthcare workers, local officials, and labor advocates with the Hudson Valley’s 1199 SEIU chapter formed a picket line on Thursday outside Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown. New York Assemblymember Paula Kay and Senator James Skoufis also joined the picket.
Melissa Gryzbek, an 1199 SEIU Registered Nurse (RN) delegate at Garnet Health, says that union organizers have been pushing for better working conditions for the more than 1,100 nurses at Garnet Health Medical Center.
“Some of the topics that we are attempting to negotiate are for safe staffing, fair wages, improved health care benefits – not just for things like hearing, dental, and vision, but for women’s health, including fertility, autism care, and retiree healthcare [along with] fair and safe treatment for our nurses, patients, and our community,” said Gryzbeck.
Marcy Manheim, a spokesperson for Garnet Health, said that union negotiations remain ongoing.
“Garnet Health Medical Center respects the union’s right to hold the informational picket and remains committed to our community and dedicated workforce,” said Manheim. “We are continuing to engage in good faith negotiations and are making steady progress toward a fair, mutually beneficial agreement.”
Headquartered in Middletown, Garnet Health provides healthcare to more than 500,000 residents in Sullivan, Orange, and Ulster counties and its surrounding areas. The Hudson Valley healthcare providers employs over 4,000 professionals and over 850 staff members across New York state.
Gryzbeck said fair pay for nurses is essential for providing high-quality hospital care.
“Fair wages and competitive wages are critical to retaining our experienced nurses and to attract new nurses. When hospitals can’t keep staff, it directly affects patient care and stability,” said Gryzbeck.
Image: Garnet Health workers, labor advocates, and local officials rallied for a fair nurses contract outside Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown, New York (Photo Credit: 1199 SEIU)