New York City, January 13, 2026
Approximately 15,000 nurses in New York City have initiated a strike at major hospitals over unresolved disputes regarding staffing levels, pay, benefits, and workplace safety. The strike, represented by the New York State Nurses Association, demands improvements in these areas amidst concerns raised by both the public and political figures regarding the impact on patient care during the flu season. The hospitals’ response has been to hire temporary staff while rejecting union demands as financially excessive.
NYC Nurses Strike Over Pay and Benefits
New York City – Approximately 15,000 nurses initiated a strike on January 12, 2026, at major hospitals including NewYork-Presbyterian, Mount Sinai, and Montefiore Medical Center. The strike stems from unresolved disputes over staffing levels, pay, benefits, and workplace safety.
Key Issues Leading to the Strike
The nurses, represented by the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), are demanding:
- Safe Staffing Levels: Ensuring adequate nurse-to-patient ratios to maintain quality care.
- Competitive Compensation: Significant salary increases to address rising living costs and workload demands.
- Enhanced Benefits: Improved healthcare coverage and pension plans.
- Workplace Safety: Measures to protect staff from workplace violence and other hazards.
Hospital Responses and Controversies
In response, the hospitals have:
- Hired Temporary Staff: To mitigate the impact of the strike on patient care.
- Rejected Union Demands: Labeling them as financially excessive and unsustainable.
- Highlighted Financials: Pointing to average registered nurse salaries ranging from $162,000 to $165,000 annually, with union demands potentially increasing these figures to $220,000 or more over three years.
Political and Public Reactions
The strike has garnered significant attention:
- Political Support: Newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other Democratic officials have expressed support for the nurses’ demands.
- Public Concern: The timing coincides with a severe flu season, raising concerns about potential disruptions to patient care and emergency services.
Background Context
This action follows a previous strike in 2023, which resulted in a 19% salary increase over three years and staffing improvements. However, the union and hospitals now disagree on the progress made and whether staffing guarantees are being honored.
Negotiations are ongoing, with each hospital engaging separately with the union to reach a resolution that addresses the concerns of both parties.
Key Features of the Strike
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Nurses Involved | Approximately 15,000 |
| Hospitals Affected | NewYork-Presbyterian, Mount Sinai, Montefiore Medical Center |
| Primary Issues | Staffing levels, pay, benefits, workplace safety |
| Hospital Responses | Hired temporary staff, rejected union demands, highlighted current nurse salaries |
| Political Support | Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other Democratic officials |
| Potential Impact | Disruptions to patient care during severe flu season |
FAQ
What are the main issues leading to the nurses’ strike?
The nurses are demanding safe staffing levels, competitive compensation, enhanced benefits, and workplace safety measures.
How have the hospitals responded to the strike?
The hospitals have hired temporary staff, rejected the union’s demands as financially excessive, and highlighted current nurse salaries ranging from $162,000 to $165,000 annually.
What political reactions have occurred regarding the strike?
Newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other Democratic officials have expressed support for the nurses’ demands, while public concern grows over potential disruptions to patient care during a severe flu season.
What is the background of this strike?
This strike follows a previous one in 2023, which resulted in a 19% salary increase over three years and staffing improvements. However, there are disagreements between the union and hospitals regarding the progress made and adherence to staffing guarantees.
Now Happening on X
- @kautiousCo (Jan 13, 2026): Nearly 15,000 NYC nurses are on strike since January 12 at Mount Sinai, Montefiore, and NewYork-Presbyterian, raising concerns about operational continuity and labor costs, with city leadership monitoring and urging resolution. View on X
- @nynurses (Jan 10, 2026): Latest tentative agreement includes improvements in safe staffing, fully funded health benefits, protection from workplace violence, and guaranteed wage increases matching those at wealthy academic hospitals. View on X
- @nynurses (Jan 8, 2026): Safety net hospitals have agreed to match wage increases from big hospitals, emphasizing that major institutions should settle fairly to avert a strike. View on X
- @4everTanisha (Jan 12, 2026): Hoping the strike leads to better pay, safer nurse-to-patient ratios, improved security, and staffing, while criticizing CEO salary increases like $26 million. View on X
- @GrumpyTechBro (Jan 12, 2026): Nearly 15,000 nurses struck over staffing shortages and benefits, potentially disrupting services during flu season, with the union highlighting dangers to patient care. View on X
- @Washington_Rep (Jan 13, 2026): On January 12, nearly 15,000 NYC nurses launched a major strike for higher pay, safer ratios, and better security, with new Mayor Zohran Mamdani joining the picket lines. View on X
- @Washington_Rep (Jan 11, 2026): Nearly 16,000 NYC nurses are set to strike on January 12 if talks fail, potentially the largest in city history, with Governor Hochul declaring a state of emergency due to flu season risks. View on X
- @EnviroEdgeNews (Jan 12, 2026): 15,000 healthcare workers are striking in NYC’s largest nurses action, accusing greedy hospital management of offering less pay and fewer benefits amid cost-of-living pressures. View on X
- @SolecialGirl (Jan 12, 2026): Hospitals are paying strike and travel nurses three times normal rates, predicting a quick agreement in the middle as nurses hold strong. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Nurses Authorize Potential Strike at NYC Hospitals Over Staffing Issues
Dr. Alec Kimmelman Appointed CEO of NYU Langone Health
New York City Midwives Authorize Strike Amid Contract Disputes
NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn Nurses Threaten Strike
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