Nearly 15,000 nurses launch historic strike at major NYC hospitals

Union leaders accuse hospitals of prioritizing profits over patient safety as walkout affects Mount Sinai, Montefiore, and NewYork-Presbyterian facilities

New York City, New York — Nearly 15,000 nurses launched the largest strike in NYC history Monday. The walkout at five major hospital systems followed failed contract talks over staffing, wages, and workplace safety.

Specifically, the strike began at 6 a.m. at Mount Sinai Hospital and 7 a.m. at other locations. It affects Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai Morningside, Mount Sinai West, Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

The strike began at 6 a.m. at Mount Sinai Hospital and 7 a.m. at other locations. It affects Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai Morningside, Mount Sinai West, Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Union’s Position

The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) represents the striking nurses. The union says the walkout became necessary after hospitals refused to address critical safety issues. These include safe staffing ratios, healthcare benefits, and protection from workplace violence.

“They would rather use their billions to fight against their own nurses than settle a fair contract,” NYSNA President Nancy Hagans said. “Nurses do not want to strike, but our bosses have forced us out.”

Previous Strike History

Notably, the dispute comes three years after a three-day strike at Mount Sinai and Montefiore in 2023. That strike resulted in 19% raises over three years and staffing improvements. However, union representatives now claim hospitals are attempting to roll back those protections.

Government Response

In anticipation of the strike, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency Friday. She warned it could significantly impact healthcare delivery and public health. Furthermore, the state Department of Health stationed staff at all affected hospitals to ensure patient safety during the walkout.

Meanwhile, hospitals spent over $100 million preparing for the strike. They secured more than 1,000 temporary replacement nurses and booked accommodations for travel nurses. Additionally, some facilities canceled elective surgeries and expedited patient discharges to reduce patient census.

Hospital Response

In response, hospital officials called the strike “reckless.” They accused nurses of abandoning patients. Moreover, Montefiore described the union’s demands as unrealistic, claiming NYSNA is requesting billions in wage increases.

On the Ground

Picket lines formed outside hospitals as early as 5 a.m. Nurses chanted, waved flags, and held signs. Passing drivers honked in support. Demonstrations concentrated at Mount Sinai Hospital in East Harlem, Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, and NewYork-Presbyterian locations in Manhattan.

Union leaders say they remain willing to negotiate. They want to continue talks to reach a fair agreement. However, they are prepared to maintain picket lines until their concerns are addressed. The nurses’ previous contract expired on December 31.