Healthcare Workers Speak Out and Demand an Immediate End to NewYork-Presbyterian’s Cuts to Staffing

Healthcare workers from New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1199, and Communication Workers of America (CWA) who work throughout NewYork-Presbyterian (NYP) Health System held a speak out this week against NYP’s recent cuts to frontline healthcare staffing.  

In a video townhall on May 5, NYP Health System announced a sweeping 2% staffing cut across the hospital system—over 1,000 healthcare workers. This announcement was made without first informing the affected healthcare professionals. Approximately 200 healthcare workers, including 65 NYSNA nurses and nurse practitioners and 121 1199SEIU caregivers, were served layoff notices across four different campuses—NYP-Columbia, NYP-Brooklyn Methodist, NYP-Hudson Valley, and NYP-Queens. The cuts will mean the loss of healthcare services, including for children and terminally ill patients. Their decision to cut frontline staff was made as NYP executives raked in millions. Over 30 of NYP’s top-paid executives made more than $1 million a year in salary, benefits, and perks in 2023. CEO Steve Corwin alone made more than $14.6 million in salary, benefits, and perks in 2023.

Michealla Donohue, RN, said, “We are devastated. This feels like it came out of nowhere. Putting aside my own future well-being and financial security, I can say this will undoubtedly affect care in this region. Nurses’ primary concern is quality patient care, and less healthcare workers means less healthcare for patients. Period. We’re already fighting against disastrous cuts to Medicaid. There is no reason why an institution as wealthy as NYP should use these federal attacks on healthcare to further squeeze healthcare workers.” Read more here and check out photos and videos from Wednesday's speak out here.