Nurses at Nyack Hospital took to the streets yesterday for the third time in six months to demand a fair contract.

According to a spokesperson for the New York State Nurses Association, the management of the hospital and the nurses were close to reaching an agreement last week, but a last-minute demand by the management over retirement health benefits derailed the talks.

In the past, the nurses and the hospital would split the cost of premiums if a nurse retired between the ages of 62 and 65. Now, negotiators for the nurses say the hospital refuses to pay.

A hospital spokesperson says negotiations are continuing in good faith.

The nurses have been without a contract since Dec. 31.

For interviews with Nyack Hospital nurses picketing over contract, go to your digital cable box and select iO Extra on Ch. 612.