nyc nurses strike hospitals: Nurses Strike NYC: Why are 15,000 NYC nurses on strike? Here’s what Mayor Zohran Mamdani said about the largest strike in city history
Why did New York nurses go on strike?
The strike began after contract negotiations failed to reach an agreement by the deadline. Nurses at multiple hospital systems say they are demanding higher wages, safer working conditions and manageable workloads, according to information from ABC7 and NBC New York.
The contracts of thousands of nurses expired on December 31. The union said the talks had failed to produce meaningful progress, leaving workers with no option but to withdraw.
Union leaders say staffing shortages, increased violence in hospitals and proposed cuts to benefits are pushing nurses to take action.
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Which hospitals were affected by the nurses’ strike?
The strike is affecting many of New York City’s largest hospital systems. Facilities affected include Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai Morningside, Mount Sinai West, Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ABC7 and NBC New York report.
Pickets formed at Mount Sinai and its satellite campuses early Monday. According to information from ABC7 and NBC New York, approximately 15,000 nurses across the city are currently participating, making it the largest nurses’ strike in New York history.
Despite the strike, hospitals announced that they would remain open.
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What did Mayor Zohran Mamdani say about the New York nurses strike 2026?
Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the situation on Sunday night, emphasizing the need to protect both patients and nurses.
“The safety and well-being of this city is my top priority, and it is critical to ensure New Yorkers have the care they need, especially during flu season. The city’s Emergency Management team, the FDNY, the health department, the public hospital system, and my senior leadership team are in constant communication and monitoring the situation closely,” Mamdani said.
He added that municipal institutions are following the developments closely. “We are ready for any scenario, including a strike”
Mamdani also defended nurses directly: “No New Yorker should fear losing access to health care — and no nurse should be asked to accept less pay, fewer benefits, or less dignity for life-saving work.”
“Our nurses have kept this city alive during its most difficult times. Their value is unquestionable. I am relieved that most hospitals have reached an agreement, and I urge the remaining parties to stay at the table and reach an agreement that will both honor our nurses and keep our hospitals open.”
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Why are security and personnel important issues?
Nurses say workplace violence and work overload have reached dangerous levels. Recent events, including an armed patient being taken hostage at Brooklyn Methodist Hospital last week that led to a fatal police shooting, have raised concerns.
Nancy Hagans, president of the New York State Nurses Association, said hospitals are proposing benefit cuts during a severe flu surge, according to reports from ABC7 and NBC New York.
“These wealthy hospitals are pushing to cut health benefits for nurses who are risking their own health to care for New Yorkers during this historic flu pandemic,” Hagans said.
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Nurse practitioner Dania Munoz echoed these concerns, according to a report by ABC7. “Violence is increasing in our institutions and units. Nurses at the bedside, not just nurses, but doctors as well. Technicians are being harmed by patients.” “We’re ready to strike on Monday, but we don’t want to be there. We need fair contracts right now because I know people are going to suffer and that’s not what we want. What we need is protection and security while doing our job.”
How are hospitals responding?
Hospital systems participating in the negotiations say they are working to increase staffing but argue that the union’s demands are too costly.
Mount Sinai said it was preparing for a prolonged strike. “We are prepared for a strike that may last an indefinite period and have taken every step to best support our patients and staff in the event NYSNA forces our nurses to leave the bedside for the second time in three years,” the hospital said in a statement.
Meanwhile, three Northwell hospitals on Long Island reached an agreement and avoided a strike.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency, warning that the strike “could endanger the lives of thousands of New Yorkers and patients.”
As the strike continues, the city’s emergency management officials, the FDNY, the health department and public hospitals remain vigilant.
FAQ
How many nurses are on strike in New York?
Approximately 15,000 nurses across multiple hospital systems.
Will hospitals remain open during the strike?
Yes, hospitals say they will stay open.
