ALBANY – Leaders of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) today commended Gov. David Paterson for signing legislation that will finally set limits on mandatory overtime for nurses.

“We salute the governor for delivering on his promise to sign this bill which offers the first real hope for alleviating the shortage of nurses in our hospitals and other health care institutions throughout New York state,” said PEF President Kenneth Brynien.

“By putting realistic restraints on employers to force nurses to work double or even triple shifts,this law will relieve the terrible strain on nurses and their families and it will ensure patients have the quality of care they need,” Brynien added. “We strongly believe this will open the door for many nurses who left their profession feeling burned-out and exhausted to return with fresh enthusiasm and vigor for their chosen vocation.”

“New York now joins the ranks of other enlightened states that have recognized the level of care improves when the nurses and other caregivers are not forced to work long hours beyond their regular workdays.

Brynien also praised New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and former Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno who brought the bill successfully through the Legislature this spring.

“Special accolades go to state Sen. Thomas Morahan and Assembly Member Aileen Gunther who sponsored this bill and worked for years to get it enacted,” Brynien said. “Their loyalty and determination to bring this issue to a successful conclusion kept hope alive in the hearts ofthousands of nurses in PEF and many others throughout the state.”

PEF is the state’s second-largest state-employee union, representing approximately 8,000 nurses throughout New York state.