Nurses from North Shore University Hospital at Plainview who were on strike since Oct. 28 returned to work Monday after they voted to approve a new contract last weekend.

The 400 nurses, who are represented by the New York State Nurses Association, were embroiled in negotiations with hospital administration for over a year before they decided to strike. Concerns about understaffing, job security, and improved wages were points of contention during the yearlong negotiations.

According to Thomas Spina, NYSNA representative, the contract addresses all the nurses' major concerns, and includes language that will formulate a committee composed of nurses and administrators to examine the understaffing issue.

The hospital administration also voiced their pleasure with the agreement. "We are all pleased that the strike is over, that our nurses have accepted a contract that everyone can be proud of, and that now we can move forward together, renewing our commitment, which we know our nurses share, to continue to provide the highest quality of patient care that our community has come to expect," said Deborah Tascone, RN, executive director.

Compiled By Michael Larkin