NYC Nurses Strike: Negotiations Resume on Day 12 Over Health Benefits and Wages

Strike Negotiations Continue

• 🏥 The largest nurses strike in New York City history has reached its 12th day, with approximately 15,000 nurses still on the picket line.
• 🤝 Talks to end the strike have resumed, but both sides indicate that a resolution is still a significant way off.

Key Negotiation Points

• 🩺 Health benefits remain a major sticking point, with the New York State Nurses Association unwilling to compromise on this issue, though they are open to wage concessions.
• 💰 Mount Sinai and Montefiore reported some progress yesterday, but New York Presbyterian noted a tense start to negotiations, emphasizing their commitment to a fair agreement.
• 📉 The union states that Mount Sinai hospitals and New York Presbyterian are still demanding cuts to nurses' healthcare benefits, which the union opposes.

Wage Proposals and Other Agreements

• 📈 Mount Sinai reported that the union reduced its wage increase proposals to 7% in the first year, 6% in the second, and 5% in the third.
• 🤝 Tentative agreements have been reached on policies for employees with substance abuse disorders.
• ⚠️ Montefiore warned union members that they may have to start paying for their own personal health care benefits after February 1st if the strike persists.

Nurse Sentiment and Ongoing Issues

• ❤️ Nurses express deep loyalty to their profession and heartbreak over feeling betrayed, especially after their service during COVID-19.
• ✊ Many nurses are committed to staying on the strike line daily until their demands are met, regardless of conditions like snow.
• ⚖️ Other key issues on the bargaining table include staffing levels and workplace security.