NYC Nurses Authorize Strike Across Three Hospital Systems
The votes are in—Registered Nurses at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Montefiore, Mt. Sinai, Mt. Sinai West, and St. Luke's have voted by 97% (8533-230) to authorize a strike. Between these hospitals, NYSNA represents more than 10,000 nurses whose contract expired in December of 2018.
"Our principal demand: safe staffing ratios, a safe workplace, community involvement in best addressing the needs of our patients," said NYSNA President Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez, RN, MSN, FNP, at a press conference yesterday announcing the vote. "We have not been able to reach agreement on even one proposal. The hospitals categorically refuse to discuss safe staffing ratios. How can we care for you when we're forced to take on loads two times, three times, four times, what's clearly understood to be safe, let alone quality care?" Click here to watch video of the press conference, and remember to follow NYSNA on Twitter and Facebook for updates on the nurses' fight for a contract!