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New York Nurses Strike Enters Sixth Day, Negotiations resume with Some Hospitals
New York City nurses are continuing a strike that began on January 15, 2026, impacting several major hospital systems. As of January 17,2026,negotiations have resumed with NewYork-Presbyterian and Mount Sinai,but remain stalled with Montefiore. The strike, involving approximately 7,000 nurses at Mount Sinai and NewYork-Presbyterian , centers on concerns over staffing levels and patient care quality.
Negotiation Updates
The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) began meetings with Mount Sinai representatives on January 16, 2026, at the request of a mediator. Prior to that, the union met with NewYork-Presbyterian officials and a federal mediator on January 15th, but reported minimal progress.The union states that hospital officials rejected revised proposals without offering counterproposals. Negotiations with Montefiore remain at a standstill, with the hospital disputing claims of a scheduled meeting with the union on January 16th.
“NYSNA nurses respect the mediators and are ready and willing to come to the bargaining table when they call,” said NYSNA president Nancy Hagans in a statement. “We urge hospital executives to do the same.”
Key Issues in Dispute
the primary point of contention remains safe staffing levels.Nurses argue that understaffing compromises patient care and increases the risk of errors. Hospitals maintain they are committed to safe staffing and have adequate ratios,tho the union disputes these claims. The union is seeking enforceable nurse-to-patient ratios, while hospitals prefer more flexible staffing models.
Hospital Operations During the Strike
The affected hospitals have brought in approximately 3,700 temporary nurses to maintain operations during the strike . Hospital officials report that emergency rooms and other essential facilities remain open and functioning. Dr. Philip Ozuah, president of Montefiore Einstein, praised the staff continuing to work, stating that “life-saving care” is continuing to be provided.
Impact on Patients and the Community
While hospitals claim patient care is unaffected, the strike has raised concerns among some community members. The presence of temporary nurses, while ensuring continued service, may disrupt established care teams and perhaps impact the quality of care. The strike also highlights the broader challenges facing the nursing profession, including burnout and the need for improved working conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the nurses striking for?
The nurses are striking for better staffing ratios, improved patient care conditions, and fair contracts. They argue that current staffing levels are unsafe and compromise the quality of care patients receive.
Which hospitals are affected by the strike?
The strike primarily affects Mount Sinai Hospital, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, and Montefiore Hospital systems. Though, not all hospitals within these systems are impacted.
How are the hospitals responding to the strike?
Hospitals have hired temporary nurses to maintain operations and claim that patient care has not been considerably affected. They are continuing negotiations with the union, but state that the union’s demands are “unreasonable.”
What is the current status of negotiations?
Negotiations have resumed with Mount Sinai and NewYork-Presbyterian, but remain stalled with Monte
