Introduction to the NYSNA Strike
The potential for a major strike by nurses in New York City is growing after major hospitals and the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) failed to negotiate a deal before the midnight deadline on Sunday. This means almost 15,000 nursing staff could quit their jobs on Monday at Montefiore Medical Center, Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai Morningside, Mount Sinai West, and NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center unless an agreement is reached during the overnight hours.
Strike Details
The union said at a news conference on Sunday that the strike would begin at 6 a.m. Monday at Mount Sinai and 7 a.m. at other facilities without a new contract. Mayor Zohran Mamdani acknowledged the possible strike on Sunday evening, posting a message on social media that reads, in part: "We are prepared for all scenarios, including a strike… No New Yorker should have to fear losing access to healthcare – and no nurse should be asked to accept less pay, fewer benefits, or less dignity for life-saving work."
Central Issues for the Union
NYSNA executives said the key sticking points in contract negotiations with Montefiore, Mount Sinai, and NewYork-Presbyterian were wage increases, health benefits, workplace violence protections, and staff and patient safety. “Instead of guaranteeing healthcare to nurses, these wealthy hospitals are pushing to cut healthcare benefits for nurses who are putting their own health at risk to care for New Yorkers,” NYSNA President Nancy Hagans said.
Hospital Response
In a joint statement, the hospitals called the possible strike "reckless" and called on union leadership to reconsider. "NYSNA leadership has chosen to abandon patients in their time of need, but Montefiore Medical Center, Mount Sinai, and NewYork-Presbyterian have not. Their decision to abandon our patients can only be described as reckless," the hospitals said.
Potential Duration of the Strike
Montefiore said it was preparing for a strike that could last several weeks, while Mount Sinai and NewYork-Presbyterian said they were prepared to safely care for patients in the event of a strike. “Patients should not delay going to the hospital if they need care while we are on strike,” Hagans said.
Other Hospitals Reach Agreement
Some area hospitals have already reached an agreement with NYSNA, including all Northwell Health facilities in Nassau County, while others withdrew their strike notices. "Northwell Health is pleased to have reached tentative agreements with NYSNA… at Huntington, Plainview, and Syosset hospitals. Since the beginning of negotiations, our goal has been to achieve a fair contract that supports our valued caregivers and maintains the high standard of care of our patients and the trust of the community," Northwell said in a statement.
Government Involvement
In a video posted on social media, Gov. Kathy Hochul encouraged both sides to stay at the negotiating table and reach an agreement. The governor also signed an executive order for the Department of Health to ensure contingency plans for hospitals in the event of a strike. She later released a statement saying, "My team and I have been in regular communication with the NYSNA and hospital leadership for weeks, and this work has resulted in real progress. Eleven hospital systems have either reached agreements or agreed not to conduct strikes at this time."
Public Support
Some New Yorkers who spoke to the press said they support the nurses’ demands, but others worry about what a walkout would mean for patients. "A strike is a last resort, so when it comes to strike decisions, it’s a big deal and the public should pay attention and realize that we rely on healthcare workers," one person said. Others expressed concern for the patients, saying, "I would say I support their decision to fight for what they deserve, but not at the expense of human lives."
