Thousands of Nurses Strike in New York City After Negotiations Fail to Produce Contract Deal

More than 7,000 nurses at the Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx and Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan went on strike Monday morning after negotiations over pay and staffing levels failed to produce a deal for a new contract.

The New York State Nurses Association, the largest union representing registered nurses in the state, said in a news release Monday that it was forced into the drastic step because of chronic understaffing that leaves them caring for too many patients.

Striking nurses chanted and waved signs outside the two hospitals Monday. Nurses at two facilities within Mount Sinai’s health care system had tentatively agreed to contracts Sunday, according to an announcement from the union, but negotiations continued at its flagship hospital.

The union said in a statement late Sunday that “Nurses don’t want to strike.” They are demanding better staffing levels and pay increases that would keep up with inflation.

The union said it had been negotiating with the hospitals since October, but the hospitals had not made a “serious effort” to address the nurses’ concerns. The union is asking for a 3% pay raise each year for the next three years, as well as improved staffing levels.

The hospitals have said they are offering a “fair and competitive” contract that includes pay increases and improved staffing levels. It is unclear how long the strike will last, but the union said it is prepared to stay on the picket line as long as it takes to get a fair contract.