NISKAYUNA, N.Y. -- Ellis nurses gather at St. James Square in Niskayuna looking for the community's help. Registered nurses from Ellis Hospital and the New York State Nurses Association started a petition drive to show management at Ellis Hospital they need a new contract and stable workforce.

The nurses have been without a contract since June of last year. Negotiations between the nurses association and the hospital are ongoing.

The nurses say they want to see more progress bring made.

"Today's event is an attempt to explain to the community why a fair contract is important not only for the nurses at the hospital because it helps to stabilize the work force at the hospital it also helps to attract nurses and that over all is better for the health of the community," said Mark Genovese, New York State Nurses Association.

Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature, Susan Savage was also on hand saying Ellis is a first class hospital and it needs to stay that way, starting with the nurses.