The largest nurses’ strike in New York City’s history entered its second week on Monday, showing no signs of resolution. Some healthcare workers even protested outside the home of a hospital executive.
Members of the New York State Nursing Association visited the residence of Montefiore CEO Philip Ozu on Sunday, holding signs that read, “Hospital executives literally make us sick,” while criticizing their work conditions.
Striking workers also demonstrated outside the homes of Mount Sinai and NewYork-Presbyterian leaders, chanting, “No justice, no peace – until we get a fair contract.”
NYSNA President Nancy Hagans stated, “Wealthy hospital CEOs don’t meet nurses at the bargaining table, so striking nurses took their message directly from the picket line to the CEOs of their own hospitals.”
As for the three hospitals, which depend on traveling nurses, there was no immediate response to the protests.
More than 15,000 nurses have been on strike against the main hospitals in the city since the previous Monday, and some appear ready for a lengthy struggle.
“How long are we going to fight? Until this hospital is willing to come to the table and have a fair conversation about this,” expressed ICU nurse Josh Wilson, 45, outside NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center on Monday.
“Personally, I’m going to fight to the end,” he added.
The conflict revolves around numerous issues, including salary, staffing, and health insurance benefits.
On Monday, around 1,000 nurses gathered outside NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Center, using hand warmers on tables to combat the bitter cold.
Cindy Collier, a 61-year-old nurse at Milstein Hospital, shared that healthcare workers are under immense pressure, and patients often misplace their frustrations.
“We will stand strong and be here as long as necessary, because it is unfair for patients to return to working conditions like ours,” stated 36-year-old nurse.
Another Milstein nurse, Bobbie Ancog, 58, suggested that hospital executives might be stalling as they know the striking staff has financial obligations.
“I think I’ll be able to do something, but I don’t know about the other players,” he remarked.
Hospital leaders do not seem hopeful about an imminent resolution to the strike.
“It is very unlikely that an agreement will be reached in the short term,” conveyed Mount Sinai CEO Brendan Carr in a message to staff.
He noted that there was limited progress during recent negotiations and indicated that no further talks are currently scheduled.
Montefiore also mentioned that substantial progress would not happen until “we withdraw our reckless and dangerous $3.6 billion demand” from nurses.
Hospital officials stated, “In the meantime, we will continue to provide the world-class care our community deserves.”
NewYork-Presbyterian did not provide an immediate comment regarding the situation.
According to the nurses’ union, discussions took place with NewYork-Presbyterian and Mount Sinai officials the previous week, and negotiations with Montefiore management occurred on Sunday night.
“I never thought I’d be here this long, but I’m ready,” said Vanessa Moreira, 35, a pediatric ER nurse at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital.
