Thousands of nurses in NYC hospitals could strike Monday

Union leaders say nearly 16,000 nurses could walk out beginning Monday if new contracts addressing staffing and benefits are not reached; tentative agreements exist at at least six hospitals while talks continue at several Mount Sinai sites, Montefiore and NewYork-Presbyterian.

Union nurses have warned that, unless new contracts addressing patient safety and benefit protections are reached by Monday, thousands could begin a strike. The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) says tentative deals have been reached at at least six hospitals while negotiations continue at Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai Morningside, Mount Sinai West, Montefiore and NewYork-Presbyterian. A joint statement from Montefiore, Mount Sinai and NewYork-Presbyterian described a walkout as "reckless" and said they are prepared to care for patients if a strike occurs. Gov. Kathy Hochul issued an executive order directing the Department of Health to ensure hospital contingency plans are in place. Key facts: - The union reports that nearly 16,000 nurses could strike beginning Monday if talks do not produce new contracts. - NYSNA has reached tentative agreements at at least six hospitals while negotiations continue at multiple Mount Sinai sites, Montefiore and NewYork-Presbyterian. - Montefiore, Mount Sinai and NewYork-Presbyterian issued a joint statement calling a potential walkout "reckless" and saying they are prepared to care for patients during a strike. - NYSNA organized an emergency solidarity action outside the League of Voluntary Hospitals and Homes, and the governor issued an order for contingency planning. Summary: Union leaders say deals need to be reached by Monday or nearly 16,000 nurses could begin a strike; some hospitals have tentative agreements while others remain in talks. Undetermined at this time.