The largest nurses strike in New York City history commenced on March 4, 2024, as nearly 15,000 nurses from five major hospitals walked off their jobs following failed contract negotiations. The affected facilities include Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai Morningside, Mount Sinai West, Montefiore Einstein, and NewYork-Presbyterian. Nurses at Mount Sinai initiated the strike at 6 a.m., while staff at the remaining hospitals began their walkout at 7 a.m..
The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) announced plans to hold a news conference at 10 a.m. to provide further updates on the situation. In anticipation of the strike, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency, citing concerns over the potential impact on patient care for thousands of individuals.
Negotiations between the hospitals and NYSNA continued throughout the weekend but ultimately failed to reach an agreement. The union accused Montefiore, Mount Sinai, and NewYork-Presbyterian of prioritizing profits over patient safety. Key issues in the negotiations included demands for pay raises, safe staffing levels, comprehensive healthcare coverage, pensions, and protections against workplace violence.
Nancy Hagans, president of NYSNA, stated on Saturday, “Instead of guaranteeing health care for nurses, these wealthy hospitals are pushing to cut health benefits for nurses who put their own health on the line to care for New Yorkers.”
In response, the hospitals issued a joint statement labeling the strike as “reckless,” asserting that it jeopardizes patient care. They claimed, “NYSNA leadership has chosen to abandon patients in their time of need, but Montefiore Medical Center, Mount Sinai, and NewYork-Presbyterian will not.”
While the strike unfolds, some hospitals in the region have successfully reached agreements with NYSNA. Notably, all facilities operated by Northwell Health in Nassau County have settled their contracts, and other hospitals have withdrawn their strike notices.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani acknowledged the looming strike in a post on social media, emphasizing the importance of maintaining healthcare access. He expressed commitment to ensuring that New Yorkers receive necessary care, particularly during the flu season.
“The safety and wellbeing of this city is my top priority, and ensuring New Yorkers have the care they need is critical,” Mamdani wrote. He affirmed that the city’s Emergency Management team, alongside various health departments, is closely monitoring the situation and preparing for any possible outcomes, including the strike.
“No New Yorker should have to fear losing access to health care — and no nurse should be asked to accept less pay, fewer benefits, or less dignity for doing lifesaving work. Our nurses kept this city alive through its hardest moments. Their value is not negotiable,” he added.
As the strike continues, the focus remains on whether an agreement can be reached that satisfies both the nurses’ demands and the hospitals’ operational needs, ensuring that patient care remains a top priority.
