Striking NYC Nurses Still at Odds as Contract Talks Stall
For 23 days, nearly 15,000 nurses in New York City have been on strike, refusing to return to work until their demands for better staffing ratios, hospital safety measures, and higher salaries are met. While the hospitals involved – Mount Sinai, Montefiore, and NewYork-Presbyterian – say they're willing to negotiate, many nurses remain frustrated with the pace of talks.
The latest developments in contract negotiations have seen both sides exchanging proposals, but it's unclear whether these will be enough to resolve the standoff. The hospitals have proposed a 3% annual raise over three years, which is less than the 18% increase that Mount Sinai initially offered. However, some nurses are saying this offer is far too low.
"We're not impressed with their latest proposal," said Shelley Layne, a nurse on strike at NewYork-Presbyterian. "It's not even a cost-of-living increase."
The hospitals have also proposed measures to try to achieve savings, but staffing and hospital safety remain key sticking points. Nurses are demanding better staffing ratios and more robust safety protocols, including the use of metal detectors and panic buttons.
However, the hospitals claim they're willing to work with nurses on these issues. "Both parties continued to make progress with the mediator to resolve the outstanding issues at the bargaining table," said Lucia Lee, a spokesperson for Mount Sinai.
The strike has seen widespread impact, with many nurses facing financial hardship as their pay and health benefits are suspended. However, they're now eligible for unemployment benefits, which has helped mitigate some of the effects.
As negotiations continue, it's unclear how long the parties will be able to hold out. The hospitals are continuing to pay large salaries to traveling nurses who are being hired to fill in during the strike. Meanwhile, unionized nurses remain on picket lines, calling for Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani to put more pressure on the hospitals to end the strike.
The latest demonstration saw hundreds of nurses marching across the Brooklyn Bridge to City Hall, wearing red NYSNA gear to draw attention to their cause. "A lot of people don't realize that the nurses are still on strike," said Layne. "They're going to see a sea of red."
For 23 days, nearly 15,000 nurses in New York City have been on strike, refusing to return to work until their demands for better staffing ratios, hospital safety measures, and higher salaries are met. While the hospitals involved – Mount Sinai, Montefiore, and NewYork-Presbyterian – say they're willing to negotiate, many nurses remain frustrated with the pace of talks.
The latest developments in contract negotiations have seen both sides exchanging proposals, but it's unclear whether these will be enough to resolve the standoff. The hospitals have proposed a 3% annual raise over three years, which is less than the 18% increase that Mount Sinai initially offered. However, some nurses are saying this offer is far too low.
"We're not impressed with their latest proposal," said Shelley Layne, a nurse on strike at NewYork-Presbyterian. "It's not even a cost-of-living increase."
The hospitals have also proposed measures to try to achieve savings, but staffing and hospital safety remain key sticking points. Nurses are demanding better staffing ratios and more robust safety protocols, including the use of metal detectors and panic buttons.
However, the hospitals claim they're willing to work with nurses on these issues. "Both parties continued to make progress with the mediator to resolve the outstanding issues at the bargaining table," said Lucia Lee, a spokesperson for Mount Sinai.
The strike has seen widespread impact, with many nurses facing financial hardship as their pay and health benefits are suspended. However, they're now eligible for unemployment benefits, which has helped mitigate some of the effects.
As negotiations continue, it's unclear how long the parties will be able to hold out. The hospitals are continuing to pay large salaries to traveling nurses who are being hired to fill in during the strike. Meanwhile, unionized nurses remain on picket lines, calling for Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani to put more pressure on the hospitals to end the strike.
The latest demonstration saw hundreds of nurses marching across the Brooklyn Bridge to City Hall, wearing red NYSNA gear to draw attention to their cause. "A lot of people don't realize that the nurses are still on strike," said Layne. "They're going to see a sea of red."
these nurses have been strikin for like 23 days already and its gettin crazy! they're demandin better staffing ratios, hospital safety measures, and higher salaries but the hospitals are tryin to lowball them with a measly 3% raise 
thats like, what even is that? most people cant afford that kinda pay cut. idk how much longer this strikin thing can go on... its affectin so many ppl's lives 
I think it's really sad that these nurse strikes have been going on for so long 
... 23 days already, and they're still not getting anywhere 
. It's like, the hospitals are willing to negotiate, but is it really enough? 
. I mean, 18% would have been nice too... 
But yeah, staffing ratios and safety protocols are super important 
. We should be supporting these amazing women who are fighting for better working conditions 
.
The hospitals are offering 3% raises over three years, but that's like, so not enough 
It's frustrating because nurses are already under so much stress.
Offer more, listen more, and compromise more 
These nurses are on the front lines, taking care of people 24/7, and they deserve better 
The strike is having an impact on so many lives, but it's also bringing attention to the issues that need to be fixed. I'm rooting for these nurses to get what they want 
Fingers crossed they can resolve this soon! 
! 3% raise over three years? Come on, that's not even keeping up with inflation. And don't even get me started on the staffing ratios and safety protocols - it's clear they're just not taking this seriously enough 
It's not like we're asking for the moon here! 
. The gov and the mayor need to step up and put some real pressure on these hospitals to get this resolved ASAP 
. Until then, I'll be over here shouting from the rooftops about the blatant disregard for these dedicated healthcare workers 
. I'm so tired of seeing all these nurses struggling financially because they can't make ends meet on their current pay.
. This strike might not be over yet, and I'm rooting for the nurses to get what they deserve 
. But at the same time, I understand why they're fighting for better working conditions and a higher salary 
.
. Can't we just get some concrete solutions here?