Thousands of nurses across three major New York City hospital systems began strike action on Monday after weekend negotiations failed to resolve ongoing contract disputes. Staff at The Mount Sinai Hospital, along with two of its satellite campuses, and NewYork-Presbyterian and Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, commenced walkouts at 6 am. Approximately 15,000 nurses are participating in the industrial action, according to the New York State Nurses Association.
The strike, which comes during a severe flu season, could potentially force the hospitals to transfer patients, cancel procedures or divert ambulances. It could also put a strain on city hospitals not involved in the contract dispute, as patients avoid the medical centers hit by the strike.
