NEW YORK — Nurses across New York City returned to picket lines Tuesday for the second day of what union leaders describe as the largest nurses strike in the city’s history, as contract negotiations with major hospital systems remain unresolved. The strike, which began early Monday, involves an estimated 15,000 nurses from hospitals within the Mount Sinai, Montefiore and NewYork-Presbyterian networks.
Picketing resumed outside multiple hospital facilities Tuesday morning, though turnout appeared lighter in some locations during the early hours. Outside Mount Sinai Hospital in East Harlem, only a small group of nurses had gathered by approximately 6:30 a.m., according to observations at the site. Union representatives said participation is expected to increase as the day progresses, noting that many nurses are scheduled to join picket lines later in the morning.
Despite the absence of a new labor agreement, hospital officials confirmed that a portion of the nursing workforce has continued reporting to duty. A spokesperson for Mount Sinai said roughly 20 percent of its nurses crossed picket lines on the first day of the strike, with expectations that additional staff may return to work in the coming days. Hospital leaders emphasized that all facilities remain open and operational, including emergency departments.
To address staffing shortages during the strike, hospital systems have relied on traveling nurses and contingency staffing plans developed ahead of the walkout. Mount Sinai reported that it has brought in approximately 1,400 qualified and specialized nurses to maintain services, many of whom were already familiar with hospital units prior to the strike. Nurses working inside the facility described the transition as orderly, with patient care continuing without major disruption.
State and city officials are also monitoring conditions closely. The New York State Department of Health has deployed staff to all affected hospitals to oversee patient safety and compliance, while New York City Emergency Management is coordinating with healthcare providers to facilitate patient transfers if service disruptions occur. Officials said these measures are designed to ensure continuity of care during the labor action.
The New York State Nurses Association said the strike followed months of negotiations that failed to produce what it considers a fair contract. Union leaders argue that their demands extend beyond wages and are focused on improving patient outcomes. Nurses are seeking higher pay, safer staffing ratios, fully funded health benefits and stronger workplace protections, which they say are essential to addressing burnout and chronic understaffing.
Hospital administrators counter that the union’s demands would impose significant financial and operational challenges. However, union officials maintain that the dispute centers on patient care rather than compensation alone, citing concerns about nurse-to-patient ratios and working conditions that they say affect safety and quality of care.
Patients expressed mixed reactions as the strike entered its second day. Some said they were concerned about potential delays but reported that they were still receiving scheduled care. Others voiced support for the nurses, expressing hope that an agreement would be reached quickly to bring striking workers back to their posts.
In statements released Tuesday, all three hospital systems reiterated that patient care remains their top priority. Mount Sinai said it is prepared to continue delivering care for the duration of the strike. Montefiore confirmed that appointments remain scheduled unless patients are notified of changes, while NewYork-Presbyterian said it has implemented measures to ensure uninterrupted services.
The duration of the strike remains uncertain. The last major nurses strike in New York City, which occurred three years ago, lasted three days before a deal was reached. For now, nurses are expected to maintain picket lines throughout the day as negotiations remain stalled and both sides continue to signal willingness to return to the bargaining table.
