New York City nurses walk out in largest strike over pay, benefits and safety

Nearly 15,000 nurses began a citywide strike at five privately run hospitals after contract talks stalled; the New York State Nurses Association says its main demands include pay raises, full health benefits, safe staffing levels and protections from workplace violence.

Thousands of nurses in New York City walked off their jobs Monday in what union leaders and local officials described as the city's largest nursing strike on record. The New York State Nurses Association said the action covers five privately run hospitals: Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai Morningside, Mount Sinai West, NewYork‑Presbyterian and Montefiore Einstein. NYSNA identified pay increases, full health benefits, safe staffing levels and workplace violence protections as the main unresolved issues in negotiations. Hospital systems responded that the union's demands are extreme and said they have contingency staffing and plans to maintain patient care. Known details: - Nearly 15,000 nurses are reported to be on strike across the five hospitals named by NYSNA. - NYSNA cites pay, health benefits, safe staffing and protections from workplace violence as its primary bargaining points. - City officials including Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined picketers, and state officials prepared emergency measures in anticipation of the strike. - Hospitals issued statements calling the demands extreme or reckless and said they have arranged contingency staff and will keep emergency services open. Summary: The walkout affects several major hospitals in Manhattan and the Bronx and has drawn public attention from city and state officials. Undetermined at this time.