When New York nurses go on strike, it doesn't just affect their own job security but also poses a significant threat to the lives of patients. A study that tracked nurse strikes over 20 years in New York state found that significantly more patients die during these work stoppages and are readmitted to hospitals due to inadequate care.
According to researchers, collective bargaining can lead to long-term benefits for both nurses and patients. When nurses secure better wages and benefits through contract negotiations, the health care system becomes more attractive to top talent, ultimately benefiting patients in terms of quality and efficiency of care. However, this process comes with a high upfront cost that may not be fully sustainable.
Critics argue that hospitals will continue to struggle financially, leading to closures and a shortage of beds for those who need them most. The ongoing challenges in the health care sector are further exacerbated by "political headwinds," including uncertainty over the Affordable Care Act subsidies.
The median wage of registered nurses in New York stands at $121,000, which makes it difficult for them to take time off without significant financial implications. Going on strike is not a decision taken lightly, and its impact extends beyond nurses, affecting other employees who must shoulder more work during strikes. This can lead to burnout and further strain on the already overworked health care workforce.
While some may argue that there are short-term gains from these job actions β for example, improved wages and benefits for nurses β others contend that they are merely temporary fixes with little staying power. With millions facing the prospect of losing healthcare coverage due to policy changes, the long-term viability of such agreements remains uncertain.
According to researchers, collective bargaining can lead to long-term benefits for both nurses and patients. When nurses secure better wages and benefits through contract negotiations, the health care system becomes more attractive to top talent, ultimately benefiting patients in terms of quality and efficiency of care. However, this process comes with a high upfront cost that may not be fully sustainable.
Critics argue that hospitals will continue to struggle financially, leading to closures and a shortage of beds for those who need them most. The ongoing challenges in the health care sector are further exacerbated by "political headwinds," including uncertainty over the Affordable Care Act subsidies.
The median wage of registered nurses in New York stands at $121,000, which makes it difficult for them to take time off without significant financial implications. Going on strike is not a decision taken lightly, and its impact extends beyond nurses, affecting other employees who must shoulder more work during strikes. This can lead to burnout and further strain on the already overworked health care workforce.
While some may argue that there are short-term gains from these job actions β for example, improved wages and benefits for nurses β others contend that they are merely temporary fixes with little staying power. With millions facing the prospect of losing healthcare coverage due to policy changes, the long-term viability of such agreements remains uncertain.