Nurses strike begins in New York City as thousands walk off jobs at major hospitals
The largest nurses strike in New York City history has started after negotiators for five major hospitals and the state nurses union failed to agree to a new contract by Monday's deadline.
The New York State Nurses Association said nearly 15,000 nurses are now walking off their jobs at five privately-run hospitals: Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai Morningside, Mount Sinai West, Montifiore Einstein and NewYork-Presbyterian.
Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in anticipation of the strike amid worries it could jeopardize critical care for thousands of patients in the city.
NYSNA said nurses at Mount Sinai started the strike at 6 a.m., while nurses at the remaining hospitals started picketing an hour later.
Montefiore said it was preparing for the strike to last multiple weeks.
A Mount Sinai spokesperson said, "Unfortunately, NYSNA decided to move forward with its strike while refusing to move on from its extreme economic demands, which we cannot agree to, but we are ready with 1,400 qualified and specialized nurses – and prepared to continue to provide safe patient care for as long as this strike lasts."
The union said it will provide another update during a news conference Monday morning.
Why are nurses on strike?
Both sides bargained throughout the weekend, but were unable to make a deal.
NYSNA has accused Montefiore, Mount Sinai and NewYork-Presbyterian of putting profits over safe patient care.
The union said the wealthiest hospital systems in the city are refusing to compromise on issues like pay raises, safe staffing levels, full health care coverage, pensions and workplace protections against violence.
Cecilia Barreto, a registered nurse picketing outside Mount Sinai West, said striking was a last resort.
"I have been here to two years and I've made such great bonds with the nurses here, and I know that there are nurses who have battled cancer and depend on their health care. So we need to make sure that the health care we receive stays intact because their lives depend on it," Barreto said.
"Instead of guaranteeing health care for nurses, these wealthy hospitals are pushing to cut health benefits for nurses who put their own health on the line to care for New Yorkers," Nancy Hagans, president of NYSNA, said on Saturday.
An earlier statement from Montefiore called some of the demands "reckless and irresponsible."
The hospitals all called the strike "reckless" in a joint statement accusing the nurses of abandoning patients.
"NYSNA leadership has chosen to abandon patients in their time of need, but Montefiore Medical Center, Mount Sinai, and NewYork-Presbyterian will not. Their decision to walk out on our patients can only be described as reckless," the hospitals said.
Some hospitals in the area were able to reach a deal with NYSNA, including all of Northwell Health facilities in Nassau County, while others previously pulled back their strike notices.
What the strike means for patients
Gov. Hochul last week signed executive orders to ensure the State Department of Health has staff at the impacted hospitals for the duration of the New York City nurses strike, ensuring patient safety and continuity of care.
Hospital officials said no one should delay treatment or put off appointments, but patients should be alert for any direct updates from their health care providers.
Montefiore said that emergency rooms will remain open.
NYSNA also said patients should continue to seek care, with leaders at a news conference Sunday saying going to get care is not crossing a strike line.
The bottom line for patients is that the hospitals will remain open and care will continue during the strike.
Mamdani on nurses strike
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani acknowledged the impending strike Sunday night in a post on X. It read:
The safety and wellbeing of this city is my top priority and ensuring New Yorkers have the care they need is critical, especially during flu season.
The city's Emergency Management team, FDNY, health department, public hospital system, and my senior leadership team are in constant communication and closely monitoring the situation. We are prepared for any and all scenarios, including a strike.
No New Yorker should have to fear losing access to health care — and no nurse should be asked to accept less pay, fewer benefits or less dignity for doing lifesaving work. Our nurses kept this city alive through its hardest moments. Their value is not negotiable.
I'm relieved that most hospitals have reached an agreement and urge the remaining parties to stay at the table and reach a deal that both honors our nurses and keeps our hospitals open.
