Nurses Strike Reaches Health Benefits Agreement Amid Ongoing Negotiations
Nurses currently on strike in New York have announced a breakthrough related to health benefits as negotiations with local hospitals continue. This is now the third week of suspension for the union.
Over the weekend, the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) shared that members from Mount Sinai Hospital and NewYork-Presbyterian have come to an understanding with their employers to keep their existing health insurance. Interestingly, both hospitals have stated all along that there wouldn’t be any cuts to employee benefits.
In a statement, NYSNA expressed, “NYSNA nurses fought and overcame one of the key hurdles in the negotiations: preserving the health benefits of frontline nurses and our families.”
Currently, around 15,000 nurses—this represents the largest number in the city’s history—have been on strike since January 12, aiming for new contracts from Mount Sinai, NewYork-Presbyterian, and Montefiore. Other concerns still on the table include salary, staffing levels, and workplace safety.
A spokesperson from NewYork-Presbyterian remarked that the hospital is open to discussing potential savings and programs related to nurses’ health plans. They clarified that eliminating health benefits has never been part of their proposal, mentioning that they have always aimed to offer top-tier health benefits.
Mount Sinai, for its part, characterized the union’s complaints as a misunderstanding and reiterated that they have no plans to cut benefits.
Meanwhile, Montefiore indicated that health benefits weren’t a sticking point in negotiations, although NYSNA’s recent statement didn’t touch on that topic.
Due to a blizzard affecting the tri-state area, nurses didn’t demonstrate over the weekend or Monday. The union noted that its members are ready and willing to negotiate further once the arbitrator calls them back to the discussion table.
Currently, each hospital system is negotiating contracts separately, with NewYork-Presbyterian confirming that a mediator will oversee discussions again this Tuesday.
