The largest nurses strike in New York City history has officially begun, as negotiators from five major hospitals and the state nurses union were unable to finalize a new contract by the Monday deadline. The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) announced that nearly 15,000 nurses have left their positions at five privately-run hospitals, including the renowned Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai Morningside, Mount Sinai West, NewYork-Presbyterian in Manhattan, and Montefiore Einstein in the Bronx.
The strike commenced at 6 a.m. at Mount Sinai, with nurses from the remaining hospitals joining the picket line an hour later. In response to the looming strike, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency, expressing concerns that the action could jeopardize essential care for thousands of patients across the city.
Montefiore Hospital has indicated that it is preparing for the strike to last several weeks. Senior Vice President Joe Solmonese criticized NYSNA's demands, which include a staggering 40% wage increase and controversial proposals such as protecting nurses from termination if found under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on duty. “We remain committed to providing safe and seamless care, regardless of how long the strike lasts,” Solmonese stated.
A spokesperson for Mount Sinai echoed these sentiments, stating, “Unfortunately, NYSNA has decided to proceed with its strike while refusing to compromise on its extreme economic demands, which we cannot agree to. However, we are prepared with 1,400 qualified and specialized nurses to ensure patient safety during this period.”
NewYork-Presbyterian released a statement emphasizing their commitment to patient care, declaring, “While NYSNA has instructed nurses to abandon their posts, we remain focused on our patients. This strike aims to create disruption, but we have taken the necessary steps to ensure our patients continue receiving the care they trust.”
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined picketers outside NewYork-Presbyterian, emphasizing the invaluable role of nurses in the community. “In every one of our city's darkest periods, nurses have shown up to work. Their value is not negotiable, and their worth is not up for debate,” Mamdani asserted. He called for both parties to engage in good faith negotiations to reach a satisfactory agreement for the nurses.
Governor Hochul echoed the mayor’s sentiments, expressing her desire for a swift resolution to the negotiations.
Despite continuous bargaining throughout the weekend, no agreement was reached. NYSNA has accused Montefiore, Mount Sinai, and NewYork-Presbyterian of prioritizing profits over safe patient care. The union claims that the wealthiest hospital systems in the city are unwilling to compromise on crucial issues such as pay raises, safe staffing levels, full health care coverage, pensions, and protections against workplace violence.
New York Attorney General Letitia James supported the nurses' cause, highlighting the increasing pressures faced by healthcare workers and the rise in workplace violence in hospitals. Registered nurse Cecilia Barreto, who is picketing outside Mount Sinai West, emphasized that striking was a last resort, stating, “We need to ensure that health care remains intact because lives depend on it.”
NYSNA President Nancy Hagans criticized the hospitals for attempting to cut health benefits for nurses who risk their own health to care for New Yorkers, labeling the hospitals' demands as reckless and irresponsible. The hospitals collectively described the strike as reckless, accusing nurses of abandoning patients in their time of need.
Governor Hochul recently signed executive orders to ensure that the state Department of Health has adequate staffing at the affected hospitals during the strike, maintaining patient safety and continuity of care. Montefiore has assured that its emergency rooms will remain open and that patients should not delay treatment or appointments.
NYSNA leaders have advised patients to continue seeking care, clarifying that attending medical appointments is not considered crossing a strike line. Officials stressed that while the strike is ongoing, hospitals will remain operational and patient care will persist.
Concerns have arisen among patients' family members as the strike progresses. A video surfaced of a nurse being denied access to Montefiore Weiler Hospital while attempting to pick up prescriptions, raising questions about the treatment of nurses during the strike. Montefiore has stated that nurses on strike can request their prescriptions be delivered to their homes, ensuring they have access to necessary medications.
In summary, while the nurses' strike presents significant challenges, both the hospitals and NYSNA are making efforts to ensure that patient care remains a priority during this unprecedented situation.