Thousands of nurses go on strike in New York City

Nearly 15,000 nurses in New York City began striking on Monday, January 12, 2026, at three major private hospital systems: Mount Sinai, Montefiore, and NewYork-Presbyterian. The strike, the largest nurses' strike in the city's history, was prompted by failed contract negotiations between the New York State Nursing Association and hospital management. Nurses are demanding improved staffing ratios, better healthcare benefits, and enhanced workplace safety measures. The union claims that hospitals are threatening to cut healthcare benefits and roll back safe staffing standards, while hospitals reported significant net incomes in 2024. The strike follows previous action in 2023 and reflects ongoing concerns about understaffing exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Elected officials, including the city's new mayor, joined the nurses in support.

On January 12, 2026, nearly 15,000 nurses in New York City began a strike at major hospitals. The work stoppage, one of the largest healthcare strikes in recent history, involves nurses demanding improved working conditions. Specifically, they are seeking higher pay, safer staffing ratios, and enhanced security measures within the hospitals. Mayor Zohran Mamdani visited the striking nurses on the picket line. The nurses hope to pressure hospital management to address their concerns through collective bargaining.

Nearly 15,000 nurses in New York City are planning to strike on Monday at several major hospitals, including Mount Sinai and Montefiore. The strike is happening due to ongoing labor disputes and coincides with a severe flu season. The action is expected to cause significant disruptions, potentially requiring hospitals to reroute ambulances and transfer patients. This strike follows a similar event three years prior, which forced hospitals to take comparable measures. The nurses are striking to advocate for improved working conditions and patient care.