A landslide vote is reshaping labor relations at Ithaca’s main hospital, according to The Ithaca Voice. Nurses at Cayuga Medical Center voted 82% in favor of forming a union this week.
The new unit will represent about 350 registered nurses and affiliate with the Communication Workers of America under the name Cayuga United CWA. Organizers say the win follows months of quiet outreach and comes a decade after a failed union effort.
Nurses cite stagnant wages, staffing shortages, and lost benefits as key issues. Hospital leadership said it respects the vote and plans to negotiate in good faith. Contract talks are expected to begin soon.
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