NURSES STRIKE: Patient care continues as nurses from NYC hospitals enter second day of strike

"Day two of what is likely the largest nurses' strike in NYC history continued on Tuesday with nearly 15,000 caregivers having walked off their normal rounds at major NYC hospitals. Braving the freezing temperatures, nurses from the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) continued to picket outside of Mount Sinai and NewYork-Presbyterian locations in Manhattan, and Montefiore facilities in the Bronx."

"The nurses are striking for better pay, more staff and improved workplace protections. Talks with management have stalled, which led to the strike. The union also alleged on Jan. 13 that Mount Sinai unlawfully fired three labor and delivery nurses, which NYSNA representatives called an act of intimidation while contract negotiations were ongoing. Instead of addressing the most important issues, patient and nurse safety, hospital management has cowardly and unlawfully disciplined and terminated NYSNA nurses."

"Mount Sinai stated that NYSA's allegation regarding the firings is false. Meanwhile, a hospital system spokesperson also said 20% of nurses on Monday the first day of the strike crossed the picket line and came to work. They anticipate that more caretakers will do the same in the coming days. Management from the affected hospitals said they have been preparing for the strike by securing temp agency nurses."

Nearly 15,000 caregivers walked off normal rounds at major New York City hospitals on the second day of the strike. Nurses from the New York State Nurses Association picketed Mount Sinai, NewYork-Presbyterian sites in Manhattan, and Montefiore facilities in the Bronx. The strike demands better pay, increased staffing, and stronger workplace protections after contract talks stalled. NYSNA alleged Mount Sinai unlawfully fired three labor and delivery nurses on Jan. 13 and described the actions as intimidation; Mount Sinai said the allegation is false. Hospital systems reported 20% of nurses crossed picket lines and added temporary and specialized staff. Governor Hochul declared a disaster emergency and ordered supplemental staffing. The strike’s end date remains unclear.

Read at www.amny.com