EAST HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) – Nurses across New York City walked out on the job on Monday after their union and employers failed to agree on a new contract.
Nearly 15,000 nurses at Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai Morningside and West, Montefiore, and NewYork-Presbyterian started their strike at 6 a.m. The New York State Nurses Association demanded an increase in pay for nurses, safe staffing levels to improve the nurse-to-patient ratio, full health care benefits and pension and protection from workplace violence.
Hospitals argued that the demands were too costly and said they had spent millions preparing for a strike – including hiring replacement nurses. Mount Sinai released a statement that reads, “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.”
Patients told PIX11 News that they’re already feeling the effects of the strike. Robert Garrison’s father was admitted to Mount Sinai Hospital for heart issues several days ago, but was given a concerning notice ahead of the strike.
“They are telling me he needs to leave the hospital because of the nurses’ strike that’s taking place, because they don’t have enough staff and it’s not safe for him to be there,” Garrison said.
Gov. Kathy Hochul urged both sides to stay at the table and negotiate, but is now preparing for a state of emergency. The state’s Department of Health will also supply staff to affected hospitals.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani will attend the strike at 9:45 a.m.