Over 15,000 Nurses Take to the Streets in Manhattan and the Bronx as Strike Enters Its Second Day
The largest strike by nurses in city history began Monday morning at hospitals across Manhattan and the Bronx, with nearly 15,000 nursing professionals walking off the job after contract talks broke down over the weekend. The New York State Nurses Association, which has been threatening a strike for weeks, made good on its promise as picket lines sprang up outside major medical centers operated by Montefiore Medical Center, Mount Sinai Health System, and NewYork-Presbyterian.
The strike comes as hospitals face significant financial losses due to federal cuts to Medicaid and other healthcare funding. The nurses' prior agreements expired on December 31, leaving the union with limited leverage in negotiations. However, they are fighting to protect those gains and address issues such as workplace violence, staffing levels, and patient safety.
"We were on strike three years ago, and it sucks to be back outside, having to fight for healthcare, having to fight to protect my patients, having to fight to be protected myself," said Donovan Carey, an emergency-room nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital. "Safe staffing levels are needed to protect patients, and we're demanding metal detectors at each entrance to prevent shootings."
The strike has prompted concerns about patient care, with hospital management warning that the walkout could result in significant financial losses. However, union leaders argue that hospitals have the resources to address nurses' demands, citing examples of less well-financed hospitals managing to settle negotiations with the union.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined striking nurses at a press conference Monday morning, wearing a red union scarf around his neck. He urged hospital management to bargain in good faith and reach a deal that allows nurses to "live in this city." The mayor also criticized hospital executives, pointing out their multi-million-dollar salaries as evidence of the wealth disparity.
The strike comes ahead of federal funding cuts to Medicaid and other healthcare programs, which are expected to have a significant impact on hospitals' bottom lines. However, the union is refusing to back down, with nurses demanding safer working conditions, improved staffing levels, and greater protections for patients.
As the strike enters its second day, hospital administrators are scrambling to find ways to maintain patient care while navigating the financial challenges posed by the walkout. The New York State Department of Health has pledged to have staff on hand at all affected hospitals during the strike, ensuring continuity of care for patients.
The impact of the strike is already being felt, with ambulances facing delays and paramedics expecting a longer time to drop off patients before responding to their next emergency call. However, union leaders are urging calm, pointing out that the program that deploys EMS at hospitals to help with triage has increased staffing at non-striking city hospitals.
The strike is set to continue for as long as necessary, with no clear end date in sight. As one striking nurse noted, "It's a domino effect" – if nurses are not there to triage patients before they enter the hospital, it can lead to delays and even life-threatening situations.
The largest strike by nurses in city history began Monday morning at hospitals across Manhattan and the Bronx, with nearly 15,000 nursing professionals walking off the job after contract talks broke down over the weekend. The New York State Nurses Association, which has been threatening a strike for weeks, made good on its promise as picket lines sprang up outside major medical centers operated by Montefiore Medical Center, Mount Sinai Health System, and NewYork-Presbyterian.
The strike comes as hospitals face significant financial losses due to federal cuts to Medicaid and other healthcare funding. The nurses' prior agreements expired on December 31, leaving the union with limited leverage in negotiations. However, they are fighting to protect those gains and address issues such as workplace violence, staffing levels, and patient safety.
"We were on strike three years ago, and it sucks to be back outside, having to fight for healthcare, having to fight to protect my patients, having to fight to be protected myself," said Donovan Carey, an emergency-room nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital. "Safe staffing levels are needed to protect patients, and we're demanding metal detectors at each entrance to prevent shootings."
The strike has prompted concerns about patient care, with hospital management warning that the walkout could result in significant financial losses. However, union leaders argue that hospitals have the resources to address nurses' demands, citing examples of less well-financed hospitals managing to settle negotiations with the union.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined striking nurses at a press conference Monday morning, wearing a red union scarf around his neck. He urged hospital management to bargain in good faith and reach a deal that allows nurses to "live in this city." The mayor also criticized hospital executives, pointing out their multi-million-dollar salaries as evidence of the wealth disparity.
The strike comes ahead of federal funding cuts to Medicaid and other healthcare programs, which are expected to have a significant impact on hospitals' bottom lines. However, the union is refusing to back down, with nurses demanding safer working conditions, improved staffing levels, and greater protections for patients.
As the strike enters its second day, hospital administrators are scrambling to find ways to maintain patient care while navigating the financial challenges posed by the walkout. The New York State Department of Health has pledged to have staff on hand at all affected hospitals during the strike, ensuring continuity of care for patients.
The impact of the strike is already being felt, with ambulances facing delays and paramedics expecting a longer time to drop off patients before responding to their next emergency call. However, union leaders are urging calm, pointing out that the program that deploys EMS at hospitals to help with triage has increased staffing at non-striking city hospitals.
The strike is set to continue for as long as necessary, with no clear end date in sight. As one striking nurse noted, "It's a domino effect" – if nurses are not there to triage patients before they enter the hospital, it can lead to delays and even life-threatening situations.
this is exactly what happens when you cut funding for healthcare 
hospitals are already struggling to keep up with staffing levels 
and now we're seeing nurses taking a stand 
for their patients' safety 
. It's not just about the money 
, it's about making sure our loved ones get the care they need in an emergency 
. I mean, can you imagine being in a situation where there aren't enough nurses to go around? 
we don't want to think about that 
.
. I hope this strike brings some much-needed attention to the issues with hospital funding and staffing levels 
. The mayor is right 
to urge hospital management to bargain in good faith 
but it's also time to address the root causes of this problem 
.
i mean, hospital admins are all like "oh no our profits will suffer" but honestly, shouldn't they be prioritizing patient care over $$$? 
he's wearing that union scarf and speaking up for the nurses! it's about time someone in power listened to their concerns 
I'm shocked by the mayor wearing that union scarf, talk about sending a strong message 
? Shouldn't they be putting the patients first, not themselves? It's crazy how some people can make a profit while millions are losing their jobs or struggling with healthcare costs 
. It's interesting how some hospital executives are making millions while the nurses are struggling 
! I mean, we can't just sit back and watch hospital executives rake in those multi-million dollar salaries while our nurses struggle to make ends meet 
.
. It's about time we start talking about healthcare as an issue that affects everyone, not just politics 
. And let's not forget, EMS services are being increased at non-striking hospitals to help with triage – that's some serious teamwork 
Nurse strike is no joke 
️
. I just hope they can resolve this stuff ASAP so we don't have any more delays or patient care issues 
...