Registered nurses at Canton-Potsdam Hospital say management has been unresponsive to their efforts to protect staffing and quality patient care in a new contract.
 
The nurses took to the street chanting and carrying signs in an informational picket in front of the hospital Thursday afternoon protesting the lack of a new contract.

Nurses have been working without an agreement since the last four year contract expired December 17, 2009.

A proposed freeze in RNs' pensions, and recruitment and retention issues are among the unresolved issues.
 
Both sides sit down at the bargaining table again next Wednesday.

Canton-Potsdam Hospital issued the following written statement:

 "Canton-Potsdam Hospital respects the right of the Albany-based nurses' union to stage an informational picket; our patients and visitors will be able to move freely to and from the Hospital and we will continue normal operations. A negotiation session is scheduled for late next week and we believe that is the most appropriate place to discuss the issues. Negotiations have been cordial and respectful and we are working toward a positive outcome."