NEW YORK CITY – Nearly 15,000 New York City nurses officially began the largest strike in city history on Monday after overnight negotiations failed to reach a deal. The walkout is occurring at major systems, including Mount Sinai, Montefiore, and New York Presbyterian. Nurses are demanding enforceable safe staffing ratios. Protections against workplace violence and better wages. The strike will impact hospitals in the Hudson Valley as patients may seek alternative medical care, further straining local facilities. Governor Kathy Hochul spoke about the strike on Friday.
“I’m issuing an executive order to ensure that qualified personnel will continue offering care during this critical time, and our Department of Health is working around the clock to ensure that the hospitals have contingency plans,” she said. “To our nurses. Your work is essential. We need you on the job. I support your right to negotiate for fair wages, better working conditions, and benefits. But also, I want to reassure New Yorkers that I will do everything I can in my power to ensure that if you need it, (or) your family member needs it. You will have a nurse at your bedside.”