The BareStory
Approximately 15,000 nurses in New York City began a strike on Monday, January 12, 2026, after contract negotiations between the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) and several major private hospitals failed to result in a new agreement. The walkout affects multiple facilities, including Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai Morningside, Mount Sinai West, Montefiore, and NewYork-Presbyterian.
According to the union, the dispute centers on demands for wage increases, safe staffing levels, full health care coverage, and protections against workplace violence. NYSNA President Nancy Hagans stated that the hospitals were attempting to cut health benefits, while the union accused the facilities of prioritizing profits over patient safety. In a joint statement, the hospitals described the strike as "reckless," accusing the nurses of abandoning patients. Montefiore officials specifically characterized the union's demands as "irresponsible" and indicated preparations for a potential multi-week strike.
In response to the work stoppage, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency and signed executive orders to ensure the State Department of Health could deploy staff to the affected hospitals. Hospital officials confirmed that emergency rooms would remain open and advised patients not to delay seeking necessary care. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that city agencies were monitoring the situation and urged all parties to remain at the negotiating table.
While negotiations stalled at the five striking facilities, other area healthcare providers have reached deals with the union. Northwell Health announced it had secured agreements for its locations, avoiding a walkout. Governor Hochul noted that 11 hospital systems in the region have either settled or agreed not to strike at this time.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
• Patients at five major NYC facilities may receive care from State Department of Health staff deployed under the Governor's emergency executive orders.
• Individuals requiring emergency services should continue to seek necessary care immediately, as hospital officials confirmed ERs remain open despite the ongoing labor dispute.
• Patients utilizing Montefiore specifically should anticipate potential long-term disruptions, as officials there have indicated preparations for a strike lasting multiple weeks.
• Residents seeking alternative care options may visit providers like Northwell Health, which are among 11 regional systems that reached agreements and avoided walkouts.
