Nearly 15,000 nurses at major New York City hospitals have begun a strike after contract negotiations failed.
The walkout started Monday morning at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Morningside and West, Montefiore and NewYork-Presbyterian facilities.
Strike lines formed at 6 a.m. at Mount Sinai locations.
They began at 7 a.m. at Montefiore Bronx sites and NewYork-Presbyterian hospitals.
The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) represents the striking workers.
NYSNA president Nancy Hagans said hospital executives put profits above patient care.
She said management refused to address key issues like safe staffing and nurse safety.
The union demands higher pay, improved staffing levels, full health coverage, pensions and protections against workplace violence.
Hospitals said they are prepared.
Mount Sinai stated it has 1,400 qualified replacement nurses ready.
All emergency departments and most appointments will continue as scheduled.
Montefiore Einstein called the union’s demands “reckless” and totaling $3.6 billion.
It said it is prepared for a multi-week strike.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency Friday.
She urged both sides to reach a deal to avoid risking patient lives.
The previous contract expired on 31 December.
A three-day strike occurred in 2023.
The current action is described as the largest nurses’ strike in New York City history.
Some other hospitals reached tentative agreements last week, avoiding strikes there.
The walkout comes during a surge in flu cases.
NYSNA said patients should still seek care if needed.
It invited them to join picket lines after receiving treatment.
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