WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) - The New York State Nurses Association calls for federal mediation after the union and Samaritan Health fail to reach a new contract.

The union says its last contract with the Watertown-based health system ran out July 31, 2025.

The union says in a news release that safe staffing and a real plan to recruit and retain enough nurses for safe patient care, and protecting healthcare benefits for its members are the sticking points in the negotiations.

We have reached out to Samaritan Health for comment.

Ciera Talbot, a Samaritan Nurse, is quoted by the union has saying, “Samaritan needs to stop playing games and start negotiating a fair contract.”

Nancy Hagens, President of NYSNA, states its nurses are “united and demanding action, that’s why they are bringing

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