Mt. Sinai nurses previously staged a strike in January 2023 | PDM File Photo
NEW YORK — New York narrowly avoided what would have been one of the largest nurses’ strikes in its history after several hospitals reached tentative labor agreements with the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA). The agreements prompted nurses at multiple safety‑net hospitals to rescind their 10‑day strike notices, which had set a deadline of January 12 for walkouts across the city and Long Island.
The strike threat involved more than 16,700 nurses across at least a dozen hospitals, including major private systems and community facilities. NYSNA had warned that without progress on staffing, wages, and healthcare protections, nurses were prepared to take to the picket lines in what the union described as a fight for patient safety and professional dignity.
Union leaders said the tentative agreements represent significant progress on core issues. “The safety‑net hospitals that care for New York City’s most vulnerable patients are doing the right thing by guaranteeing healthcare benefits for nurses and agreeing to stronger safe staffing standards and protections from workplace violence,” said NYSNA President Nancy Hagans.
Safety‑Net Hospitals Lead the Way in Reaching Deals
The first wave of agreements came from seven safety‑net hospitals, including Flushing Hospital Medical Center, Maimonides Medical Center, One Brooklyn Health’s Interfaith Medical Center, Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Richmond University Medical Center, and The Brooklyn Hospital Center.
These hospitals agreed to maintain fully funded healthcare benefits, preserve pensions without cuts, strengthen staffing ratios, and adopt new protections against workplace violence. They also accepted contract language ensuring that artificial intelligence tools cannot replace bedside nurses—a growing concern in the industry.
Hospital administrators expressed relief that a strike had been avoided. “We are very happy to have avoided a strike,” said Vali Gache, president and CEO of Wyckoff Heights Medical Center. “We are continuing to negotiate actively and in good faith with our nurses’ union and are making solid progress”.
A spokesperson for Maimonides Medical Center echoed that sentiment, saying the hospital was “pleased to have reached an agreement… that rewards nurses for their important work while recognizing the increasingly difficult financial challenges that we and other safety‑net hospitals face”.
Major Private Hospitals Still Face Pressure
While the tentative agreements eased tensions at several facilities, negotiations continue at major private hospitals, including Mount Sinai Hospital, Montefiore Medical Center, NewYork‑Presbyterian, BronxCare Health System, and Mount Sinai Morningside and West.
These institutions had warned that a strike could disrupt operations but insisted they were prepared. In a joint statement, Montefiore, Mount Sinai, and NewYork‑Presbyterian called the strike threat “reckless,” adding: “A strike will pose challenges for sure, but our institutions will do whatever is necessary to minimize disruptions to the delivery of the safe, high‑quality care we are known for”.
Nurses at these hospitals say they remain ready to strike if necessary. At Mount Sinai, nurse Darla Joiner said the union is “far from a deal,” emphasizing that nurses are fighting for manageable patient loads, fair wages, and secure healthcare coverage. “For them to take these things back… that’s not fair to the nurses,” she said.
Union Leaders Say Momentum Is on Their Side
Despite ongoing negotiations at several facilities, NYSNA leaders say the tentative agreements at safety‑net hospitals demonstrate what is possible when management bargains in good faith. Hagans urged the city’s wealthiest hospitals to follow suit: “New York City’s wealthiest hospitals should follow their lead”.
With membership votes pending and talks continuing, both sides hope to finalize contracts before the January 12 deadline. For now, New Yorkers can breathe easier knowing that the immediate threat of a citywide nurses’ strike has been averted—at least temporarily.
