Over 15,000 nurses in New York City have walked off the job in a massive strike, demanding better working conditions and an end to what they claim are attempts by hospital management to cut healthcare benefits. The workers, who represent three major private hospital systems - Mount Sinai, Montefiore, and NewYork-Presbyterian - took their protest to the streets early Monday morning, marking the largest nurses' strike in city history.
The National Nursing Association says that despite months of negotiation, hospital management has refused to make meaningful progress on key issues such as safe staffing for patients, healthcare benefits for nurses, and workplace violence protections. "Management at the richest hospitals in New York City are threatening to discontinue or radically cut nurses' health benefits," the group stated.
The strike comes amid heightened concerns about hospital safety following a series of high-profile incidents, including an active shooter incident at a Mount Sinai hospital in November and a fatal shooting at a NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in Brooklyn last week. Some striking nurses claim that hospitals are attempting to roll back safe staffing standards, which were established by the state as part of a law signed into effect in 2021.
The union is seeking improved working conditions, stronger protections against workplace violence, and more resources for healthcare services during the ongoing severe flu season. With hospitalizations reaching record highs, the timing of the strike could prove decisive in negotiations between the union and management.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has pledged to protect patients and ensure access to care while also recognizing the essential work that nurses do every day on the front lines of the healthcare system. However, with her re-election campaign looming, it remains to be seen how much pressure she will apply to hospital management to meet the union's demands.
The strike marks a significant political test for New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who has historically been pro-labour. The mayor joined picketers outside a hospital in Manhattan on Monday and vowed that no nurse should have to accept less pay, fewer benefits or less dignity for doing lifesaving work.
With the union and management locked in a standoff, it's unclear how long the strike will last or what concessions each side is willing to make. But one thing is clear: the nurses of New York City are not backing down, and their fight for better working conditions and more respect is unlikely to go quietly into the night.
The National Nursing Association says that despite months of negotiation, hospital management has refused to make meaningful progress on key issues such as safe staffing for patients, healthcare benefits for nurses, and workplace violence protections. "Management at the richest hospitals in New York City are threatening to discontinue or radically cut nurses' health benefits," the group stated.
The strike comes amid heightened concerns about hospital safety following a series of high-profile incidents, including an active shooter incident at a Mount Sinai hospital in November and a fatal shooting at a NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in Brooklyn last week. Some striking nurses claim that hospitals are attempting to roll back safe staffing standards, which were established by the state as part of a law signed into effect in 2021.
The union is seeking improved working conditions, stronger protections against workplace violence, and more resources for healthcare services during the ongoing severe flu season. With hospitalizations reaching record highs, the timing of the strike could prove decisive in negotiations between the union and management.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has pledged to protect patients and ensure access to care while also recognizing the essential work that nurses do every day on the front lines of the healthcare system. However, with her re-election campaign looming, it remains to be seen how much pressure she will apply to hospital management to meet the union's demands.
The strike marks a significant political test for New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who has historically been pro-labour. The mayor joined picketers outside a hospital in Manhattan on Monday and vowed that no nurse should have to accept less pay, fewer benefits or less dignity for doing lifesaving work.
With the union and management locked in a standoff, it's unclear how long the strike will last or what concessions each side is willing to make. But one thing is clear: the nurses of New York City are not backing down, and their fight for better working conditions and more respect is unlikely to go quietly into the night.
15k+ nurses walkin out on strike, that's crazy talk... safe staffing standards, decent benefits, no workplace violence... it's like they're tryna cut costs everywhere else but still expect nurses to be superheroes 
meanwhile hospital management is all like "we can't afford this" and the gov's just standin there with their hands in the air 
gotta feel for the nurses, dey deserve way more respect
I'm so done with these hospital admins! Like, how can they even think about cutting healthcare benefits when we're in the middle of a severe flu season? 
It's not like they're just gonna make up for it somehow... the nurses are right to stand firm on this one. And can we talk about safe staffing standards for a sec? 
I'm so proud of these nurses for taking a stand and fighting for their rights - it's time hospital management starts listening! 
, they're trying to cut costs and keep prices low, but at what cost? Nurses are doing an amazing job under so much stress 
. I think it's great that the union is standing up for their rights, it's time for better working conditions and more resources 
, that would be unfair and put patients at risk 
. Eric Adams seems like a good leader who cares about his nurses 
, maybe he can help them negotiate with the hospitals? Fingers crossed this strike ends soon 
, I hope everyone finds a solution that works for everyone 
. I mean, can you imagine having to deal with all that stress on a daily basis without proper support? The strike might be a bit dramatic, but it's also kinda justified. Hospitals are always cashing in on profits, it's like they're putting money over people 
. If the Governor and Mayor really want to show their commitment to healthcare workers, they should be pushing for more significant changes than just empty promises 
I mean, come on, 15k strong and still they have to resort to a strike? It's not just about better working conditions or benefits, it's about recognizing their value as human beings who are literally saving lives every day 
. And what really gets me is that some hospital management thinks they can just roll back safe staffing standards after all the high-profile incidents we've seen... 
No wonder patients are getting hurt, no wonder nurses are getting burned out 
. The city needs to step in and support these women – they're not just fighting for themselves, they're fighting for us all 
this is insane! I mean, 15k nurses walking off the job is already a huge deal but now with all these hospitals and stuff it's like, what are they even thinking?! 
I feel so bad for those nurses, they're literally doing lifesaving work every day and this is how they get treated? It's like, hello dignity matters too! 
. We need change now, not some vague promises in the future. The nurses are leading the charge and I'm all for it! 
I think its crazy how much nurses in NYC are fighting for 
. I mean, 15k nurses walking off the job? That's just peachy. Can't we all just get along and pay our taxes so they can get paid on time? 
Not to mention all these high-profile incidents... hospital management clearly has no idea what's going on 
. And now it's a political test for Mayor Adams? Like, how's he gonna make this work? The strike could be over before we even know it 
Let's keep an eye on this situation and hope we see some progress soon 