NEW YORK — Nurses in New York City have reinitiated contract discussions with some of the major hospital systems impacted by a strike that is now in its fifth day. The New York State Nurses Association announced on Friday that negotiations commenced with the Mount Sinai hospital group at the invitation of a mediator, marking a hopeful turn amidst prolonged tensions.
The discussions followed an earlier meeting with NewYork-Presbyterian officials and a federal mediator that ended without significant agreement. The striking nurses, estimated at around 15,000, initially halted work on Monday to demand better staffing levels and fair working conditions.
Hospital representatives characterized the proposals received from the union as "unreasonable," although they acknowledged that discussions had primarily addressed staffing concerns. Union members expressed their commitment to continuing negotiations in good faith, despite feeling the hospitals were not adequately addressing their needs. According to the union, talks went late into the night but resulted in little advancement.
The union also mentioned having presented revised proposals that were promptly rejected by hospital administrators. The ongoing discussions are being observed by a contingent of nurses to ensure transparency and solidarity.
As the strike continues, union negotiators have confirmed that discussions with Montefiore, the last of the three major hospital systems involved, have not yet resumed. Union leaders had previously indicated plans for a meeting that the hospital later disputed, insisting no such arrangements were in place.
Amidst these negotiations, health care providers have noted that their operations remain relatively unaffected due to the rapid hire of temporary staff to fill in for the striking nurses, helping maintain services like emergency care.
Dr. Philip Ozuah, president of Montefiore Einstein, has publicly commended the staff members still on duty during this tumultuous period, emphasizing their dedication in providing vital patient care.
