Over 7,000 New York City Nurses on Strike

On Monday, nurses at two New York City hospitals went on strike after failed negations over staffing levels and payment. 

For Context: The New York State Nursing Association (NYSNA) reached tentative agreements at seven New York City hospitals, but at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx and Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, understaffing was the crucial impasse.  At 6 a.m. ET Monday, about 3,500 nurses from Montefiore Medical Center and 3,600 from Mount Sinai began the strike. The hospitals subsequently predicted the need to divert ambulances and cancel some elective surgeries.  

Key Quotes: Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) stated support for a "binding arbitration so that all parties can swiftly reach a resolution." The NYSNA said it welcomes Hochul's support and called on Hochul to put "patients over profits and enforce existing nurse staffing laws." New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) said, "We are simultaneously continuing to closely monitor the effect that a strike would have at the remaining handful of hospitals that have not yet reached a deal. In the event of a strike, our system will be prepared to meet the challenges."

How The Media Covered It: Left-rated sources were more likely to open with quotes from nurses, and tended to mention that other hospitals had made deals with the nurses' union later in their coverage. Right- and center-rated outlets were more likely to emphasize the consequences of a strike and mention how the other hospitals made deals before the deadline.