Rochester Nurses Union Alleges RGH Staffing Falls Below Safety Standards

The Rochester Union of Nurses and Allied Professionals (RUNAP) claims that Rochester General Hospital (RGH) failed to meet state-mandated staffing minimums throughout Q1 2025. Using hospital-supplied data, RUNAP asserts that 97% of shifts were understaffed. The union flagged discrepancies like counting virtual nurses in physical unit totals and cited a 2023–2027 contract clause that triggers financial penalties if understaffing exceeds 10% of shifts. The union is now moving to arbitration. RGH disputes the findings, stating it has met staffing commitments and even temporarily reduced bed counts to maintain safe ratios. It also highlighted recent improvements, including hiring 50 full-time RNs and cutting turnover. The arbitration outcome could set a precedent for how New York’s staffing laws are enforced.

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Source: Rochester First