May 3, 2011

Dear NYSNA Member:

As you may be aware, Workers United Local 19 SEIU disclaimed interest in representing the E&GW field staff (nurse representatives,
labor representatives, organizers, etc.) in March 2010. The United Steel Workers (USW) union was certified as the bargaining agent for
the E&GW field staff in May 2010 and NYSNA has been bargaining in good faith for a first contract with USW since the summer of
2010. Prior to our last session we had eleven negotiation sessions and had 46 tentative agreements on provisions of the contract. There
also were no proposed changes by NYSNA in health insurance coverage or cost for employees and their families, the amount of vacation,
personal, and sick time, or changes in differentials.

Our last negotiation session was on Monday, April 25 and, at the suggestion of USW, was assisted by a mediator. NYSNA presented a
comprehensive proposal to USW that reflected the values of fairness, equity and fiscal responsibility that have been the hallmarks of our
negotiation strategy throughout these negotiations. The three-year proposal includes a generous wage package including a base salary
range of $70,000-$147,000, that additionally rewards longevity, up to $13,500 in additional differentials, and across-the-board increases
of 3%, 2%, 2%; it also included compensatory time provisions similar to those enjoyed by other exempt professional staff within
NYSNA. Although USW verbally stated they preferred several of their own proposals, there was no written counterproposal offered from
USW to our comprehensive package at that session.

It is our understanding that NYSNA staff represented by USW met on Saturday, April 30 and that there was no discussion with the staff
present of the merits of the comprehensive package proposal presented by NYSNA management on April 25. It is further understood that
the sole focus of the meeting cited by the negotiating committee was to prepare to strike. The overarching reason cited for the strike was
to coerce NYSNA to force the removal of the CEO, E&GW program director and the entire E&GW leadership team. It was also
mentioned that the staff had the support of some members who also want to see NYSNA management removed.

It was our hope that after the staff met on April 30, NYSNA would receive a written counterproposal or more formal feedback to our
package soon thereafter; instead we received a strike notice for a strike commencing at 11:59 p.m. on May 6. NYSNA has offered to
return to the table immediately to continue bargaining with the goals of settling the contract and avoiding a strike; I am awaiting
a response from USW. We have the next negotiation session with the mediator confirmed for May 17. NYSNA will continue to bargain
in good faith on the provisions of the contract proposals with the goals of maintaining exemplary representation of our members, fiscally
responsible use of member money, and achieving a contract that treats staff in a fair and equitable manner.

Despite USW's accusations of union-busting, NYSNA management remains committed to the mission and ideals of NYSNA as a union
and we genuinely do not believe USW has reasonable grounds for a strike, instead this is a power play that is not in the best interests of
our members.

Unfortunately, NYSNA must now prepare for a staff strike. Let me assure you that there is a comprehensive plan in place to
address member needs during this period. The remaining staff is committed to delivering the best possible service to all members
during a strike. Please note that it may be necessary to focus on only essential services during any strike. E&GW management
staff will be contacting each LBU leader with information on who to contact at NYSNA with issues, grievances and arbitrations.
Strike updates will be posted at the following number: 1-800-724-NYRN (6976) ext. 566.

Thank you for your understanding during this unfortunate time. I hope to be able to update you with favorable movement on finalizing a
contract with USW sometime soon.

Sincerely,

Tina Gerardi, MS, RN, CAE

Chief Executive Officer