Historic Nurses' Strike Paralyzes Major New York City Hospitals as Nearly 15,000 Walk Off the Job

New York City — In what union leaders are calling the largest nursing strike in New York City history, nearly 15,000 nurses from several of the city's premier medical institutions walked off the job early Monday morning, January 12, 2026, after marathon negotiations failed to produce a new contract.

Members of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) began picketing before dawn at facilities including Mount Sinai Hospital (starting at 6 a.m.), along with its Morningside and West campuses, Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, and NewYork-Presbyterian hospitals.

Chants of "Fair contract now!" echoed outside the entrances as nurses carried signs demanding better pay, safer staffing levels, preserved health benefits, and stronger protections against workplace violence.

The strike follows months of tense bargaining over three-year contracts that expired on December 31, 2025. NYSNA President Nancy Hagans accused hospital executives of refusing to address core issues, stating, "Greedy hospital executives have decided to put profits above safe patient care and force nurses out on strike when we would rather be at the bedsides of our patients."

Key demands include enforceable nurse-to-patient staffing ratios to prevent burnout — gains hard-won in a smaller 2023 strike involving about 7,000 nurses at Mount Sinai and Montefiore — along with wage increases to keep pace with inflation, full healthcare coverage, and enhanced security measures. The union has highlighted recent violent incidents, including an active shooter threat at Mount Sinai last November and other assaults on healthcare workers.

Hospital systems countered that the union's proposals would cost billions amid financial pressures, including anticipated federal healthcare cuts. Mount Sinai alone hired more than 1,000 temporary travel nurses and conducted strike-readiness drills, while NewYork-Presbyterian reportedly spent tens of millions preparing. Officials from the affected hospitals insisted patient care would continue uninterrupted, with contingency plans in place to transfer patients, reschedule procedures, or divert ambulances if needed.

The action comes amid a severe flu season, raising concerns about strain on the broader healthcare system. Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency late last week and issued an executive order to maintain operations, while urging both sides to return to the table. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a vocal supporter of workers' rights, visited picket lines Monday and emphasized the essential role of nurses in the city.

This walkout dwarfs the 2023 action and marks a major escalation in labor tensions within New York City's private nonprofit hospital sector. As picket lines grew through the morning, both sides showed no immediate signs of compromise, leaving patients, healthcare workers, and city officials bracing for an uncertain duration.

17GEN4.com