NEW YORK (PIX11) – Nurses across New York City walked out on the job on Monday after their union and employers failed to agree on a new contract.
Nearly 15,000 nurses at Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai Morningside and West, Montefiore, and NewYork-Presbyterian started their strike at 6 a.m. The New York State Nurses Association demanded an increase in pay for nurses, safe staffing levels to improve the nurse-to-patient ratio, full health care benefits and pension and protection from workplace violence.
Hospitals argued that the demands were too costly and said they had spent millions preparing for a strike – including hiring replacement nurses. They released a statement that reads, “Their decision to walk out on our patients can only be described as reckless. 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.”
Patients told PIX11 News that they’re already feeling the effects of the strike. Robert Garrison’s father was admitted to Mount Sinai Hospital for heart issues several days ago, but was given a concerning notice ahead of the strike.
“They are telling me he needs to leave the hospital because of the nurses’ strike that’s taking place, because they don’t have enough staff and it’s not safe for him to be there,” Garrison said.
Gov. Kathy Hochul urged both sides to stay at the table and negotiate, but is now preparing for a state of emergency. The state’s Department of Health will also supply staff to affected hospitals.
