New York Governor Kathy Hochul has extended the disaster emergency declared earlier this month in response to the ongoing nurses strike across New York City. The measure was initially set to expire, but it will now remain in effect until February 2.
The extension comes as the strike approaches its two-week mark and hospitals continue to face significant staffing challenges due to the walkout. One key provision of Hochul's order allows licensed clinicians from other states to work at Manhattan and Bronx hospitals where nurses are striking, a measure that hospital officials say has been crucial in addressing the crisis.
However, despite these efforts, contract negotiations between nurses and hospital representatives remain acrimonious. The two sides scaled back their initial demands on salary increases last week, with nurses proposing 7% hikes in the first year of a new contract, followed by 6% and 5% over the next two years. However, hospital officials claim that these proposals are still "unreasonable" and have made counteroffers.
The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) has accused hospital leaders of trying to cut nurses' health benefits, a claim that hospital representatives vehemently deny. NYSNA president Simone Way told a press conference on Friday that the association is seeking only one thing: for hospitals to deliver on their promises regarding healthcare benefits.
The negotiations are ongoing, with both sides claiming to be committed to finding a resolution. However, it appears that no clear agreement has been reached, and the strike continues to drag on. With the city's health system struggling to cope with the crisis, Hochul's extension of the disaster emergency is seen as a necessary measure to ensure public safety.
As the negotiations continue, hospital officials and NYSNA remain far apart on key issues. The future of the healthcare system in New York City remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: nurses are fighting for better working conditions, fair compensation, and improved health benefits.
The extension comes as the strike approaches its two-week mark and hospitals continue to face significant staffing challenges due to the walkout. One key provision of Hochul's order allows licensed clinicians from other states to work at Manhattan and Bronx hospitals where nurses are striking, a measure that hospital officials say has been crucial in addressing the crisis.
However, despite these efforts, contract negotiations between nurses and hospital representatives remain acrimonious. The two sides scaled back their initial demands on salary increases last week, with nurses proposing 7% hikes in the first year of a new contract, followed by 6% and 5% over the next two years. However, hospital officials claim that these proposals are still "unreasonable" and have made counteroffers.
The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) has accused hospital leaders of trying to cut nurses' health benefits, a claim that hospital representatives vehemently deny. NYSNA president Simone Way told a press conference on Friday that the association is seeking only one thing: for hospitals to deliver on their promises regarding healthcare benefits.
The negotiations are ongoing, with both sides claiming to be committed to finding a resolution. However, it appears that no clear agreement has been reached, and the strike continues to drag on. With the city's health system struggling to cope with the crisis, Hochul's extension of the disaster emergency is seen as a necessary measure to ensure public safety.
As the negotiations continue, hospital officials and NYSNA remain far apart on key issues. The future of the healthcare system in New York City remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: nurses are fighting for better working conditions, fair compensation, and improved health benefits.
. I mean, I've been in some tough situations myself, but at least I had a steady job and decent health insurance 
. Those hospital officials gotta step up their game tho, they can't just be all cold & heartless about it 
. NYSNA president Simone Way is speaking truth to power, for real 
. It's crazy how far apart these two sides are on healthcare benefits, like, what's the big deal? 
hospitals r making bank off of us patients, shouldn't we get some decent perks too 
. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they can come to a resolution soon, but until then... 
. However, the acrimonious contract negotiations between nurses and hospital reps highlight the need for more nuanced discussions about fair compensation and improved health benefits 
.
This nurse strike situation is getting pretty intense 
. Like in that movie "United States of Leland" where the main character gets trapped in a system - it's like that for these nurses 
.
. It's a complex situation, for sure 
. I'm rooting for the nurses, but also hoping they find a solution that works for everyone 
.
. Fingers crossed these negotiations go well and we get a resolution soon 
!
. But seriously, it highlights how fragile our healthcare system is and how these strikes can have far-reaching consequences.
. The nurses want better benefits, but hospital reps say they're being unreasonable 
. Meanwhile, the governor steps in and says "hang tight, we've got this" 
.
. These nurses deserve fair treatment, and hospitals need to step up their game 
. The public is counting on them to find a solution that works for everyone 
. The extension of the disaster emergency is a good start, but we need concrete solutions soon... these negotiations can't drag on forever 
. I think we're at a critical juncture where our healthcare system as a whole is going to suffer if we don't get this sorted out 
hospital reps need 2 step up their game & deliver on those promises ASAP! 
keep those nurses safe & supported