Nurses at New York City's largest hospitals prepare mass strikes

Almost 16,000 nurses at three major private hospital systems in New York City plan to begin strikes on Monday after contract talks over pay, benefits and staffing stalled; Governor Kathy Hochul issued a state disaster emergency citing anticipated staffing shortages.

Nearly 16,000 nurses at several of New York City's largest private hospitals are preparing a mass strike after months of contract negotiations failed to produce an agreement. The dispute is between the New York State Nurses Association and health systems including Montefiore, Mount Sinai and NewYork-Presbyterian, and centers on pay, health insurance coverage, staffing levels and workplace protections. Contracts covering nurses at multiple hospitals expired at the end of 2025, and the union agreed not to strike at some facilities that serve low-income patients. Hospital groups and city and state officials have issued statements as the planned strike date approaches. Key points: - About 16,000 nurses are expected to begin strike action on Monday after contract talks stalled. - Main issues reported in negotiations include pay, health insurance, understaffing and workplace protections, and the union has also sought limits on ICE access to hospitals. - Governor Kathy Hochul issued a state disaster emergency, citing an immediate and critical need to address anticipated staffing shortages related to the strike. - Montefiore, Mount Sinai and NewYork-Presbyterian and representatives of the hospitals urged union leaders to return to the negotiating table and said they would work to minimize disruptions. Summary: The nurses plan to start a strike on Monday following unsuccessful contract negotiations. State and city officials have said they have plans to address staffing and emergency services, and a state disaster emergency has been declared; further developments will depend on whether talks resume or an agreement is reached.