Nearly 15,000 nurses at three of New York City’s largest hospital systems will strike Monday morning after contract negotiations failed to produce an agreement.
The New York State Nurses Association said talks broke down with Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai Morningside, Mount Sinai West, Montefiore and NewYork-Presbyterian after months of bargaining.
What You Need To Know
Nearly 15,000 nurses will go on strike Monday at several major New York City hospital systems after contract talks failed
Nurses at Mount Sinai hospitals will strike at 6 a.m., while nurses at Montefiore and NewYork-Presbyterian will walk out at 7 a.m.
The union says disputes over safe staffing, health care benefits and protections from workplace violence remain unresolved
State officials say they will monitor hospitals during the strike to ensure patient safety and continuity of care
“Unfortunately, we have made very little progress at the bargaining table,” NYSNA President Nancy Hagans told NY1.
Nurses at Mount Sinai hospitals will walk off the job at 6 a.m. Monday, while nurses at Montefiore and NewYork-Presbyterian will begin striking at 7 a.m., according to the union.
Union leaders said negotiations stalled over safe staffing levels, health care benefits and protections from workplace violence.
“Our key sticking points in negotiation continue to be safe staffing for our patients, protection from workplace violence and health care for frontline nurses,” Hagans said. “We continue to call on hospital management to come to the table and settle contracts that keep patients and nurses safe.”
The union is accusing hospital management of refusing to make meaningful progress and threatening cuts to nurses’ health benefits. NYSNA said those cuts could affect nearly 27,000 nurses statewide.
Hospitals said they are prepared to maintain patient care during the strike.
“NYSNA’s leaders continue to double down on their $3.6 billion in reckless demands, including nearly 40% wage increases,” said Joe Solmonese, Montefiore’s senior vice president for strategic communications. “We remain resolute in our commitment to providing safe and seamless care, regardless of how long the strike may last.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul said state officials will be on site to monitor patient care.
“While negotiations will continue, we expect strikes to begin tomorrow at three hospital systems in Manhattan and the Bronx,” Hochul said in a statement Sunday.
She said the state’s Department of Health will have staff at affected hospitals for the duration of the strike and signed a two-week executive order allowing hospitals to access additional resources.
“My top priority is protecting patients and ensuring they can access the care they need,” Hochul said.