NEW YORK (RTWNews) — Thousands of nurses in three hospital systems across New York City began a strike today after negotiations throughout the weekend did not lead to any agreement in their ongoing contract disputes.
Starting at 6 a.m., nurses walked off the job at The Mount Sinai Hospital along with two of its satellite locations. Additional hospitals affected are NewYork-Presbyterian and Montefiore Medical Center located in the Bronx.
The strike involves approximately 15,000 nurses according to the New York State Nurses Association, and it comes at a critical time with a severe flu season in progress.
The ongoing strike poses risks of potentially leading to patient transfers, canceled procedures, and diverted ambulances, further straining the healthcare system at facilities not involved in the contract standoffs.
In response to the strike, the hospitals have started hiring temporary nurses to fill the gaps left by the striking workforce. Hospitals have reassured patients about maintaining appointments during this turbulent period.
While nurses’ demands differ based on the facilities, the key issues revolve around staffing levels and workplace safety, given the high workload they face at their hospitals. The union has indicated that nurses encounter unmanageable demands on a daily basis.
Additionally, concerns about workplace safety have been intensified by recent incidents, including a case where a man barricaded himself in a hospital room in Brooklyn before being shot by police.
The union is also advocating for restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence in hospital settings, citing the need for safe clinical environments for patients and staff.
Although the involved nonprofit hospitals have affirmed their commitment to improving staffing levels, they have argued that the union's demands are financially unrealistic.
Last month, nurses voted to authorize the strike amid growing frustrations. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly expressed their worries regarding the implications of the strike. As the deadline approached, Mamdani encouraged ongoing negotiations to reach a resolution that respects the nurses' contributions while ensuring hospitals remain operational.
“The value of our nurses is irrefutable,” Mamdani emphasized, reflecting the city’s reliance on nursing staff during challenging times.
The last notable nursing strike in New York City occurred only three years ago, which resulted in a temporary stoppage and contractual reforms that increased nurses' pay and improved staffing commitments.
