West News Wire: At two hospitals in New York City, more than 7,000 nurses went on strike early on Monday to demand better pay, better working conditions, and more staffing.
According to the New York State Nurses’ Association, the bargaining session between hospital administration and nurses at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx and Mount Sinai Hospital in Harlem failed to result in an agreement. As a result, the strike started at 6 a.m.
According to Mario Cilento, president of the New York State AFL-CIO, a labor organization, “These nurses are dedicated professionals who deliver great patient care under unbelievable conditions day in and day out that were aggravated by the pandemic.” “Now they are faced with the added challenge of short staffing that has reached critical levels and could compromise their ability to provide the best quality care to their patients.”
“It is time for the hospitals to treat these nurses fairly, with the dignity and respect they deserve, and to negotiate in good faith, quickly, to ensure nurses can get back to serving their communities by providing superior care to their patients,” the statement continued.
Strikes are occurring at three locations in the Bronx and one location in Manhattan and will occur until 7 p.m.
In a statement, Montefiore Medical Center said it offered a 19.1% compounded wage increase and promised to create more than 170 new nursing positions ahead of the strike.
“We remain committed to seamless and compassionate care, recognizing that the union leadership’s decision will spark fear and uncertainty across our community,” the statement read.
Mount Sinai told news reporters in a statement it also offered a 19.1% increased wage proposal but that nurses rejected the offer.
“Our first priority is the safety of our patients. We’re prepared to minimize disruption, and we encourage Mount Sinai nurses to continue providing the world-class care they’re known for, in spite of NYSNA’s strike,” Mount Sinai officials said.
