NewYork-Presbyterian Nurses Extend Strike, Reject Tentative Contract

NewYork-Presbyterian nurses have voted to extend their strike, now entering its sixth week, after overwhelmingly rejecting a tentative contract agreement. The strike, which began on January 12th, involves over 4,200 nurses at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, and Allen Hospital [1].

Strike Background and Key Issues

The nurses, represented by the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), initiated the strike following failed contract negotiations with the hospital system. Core issues in dispute include pay raises, healthcare coverage, safe staffing levels, and protections against workplace violence [3]. The union argues that inadequate staffing levels compromise patient care.

Arbitration Win and Staffing Concerns

Recently, NYSNA nurses at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital won an arbitration award of $399,829 due to chronic understaffing in the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit. The arbitrator found that the hospital violated the nurses’ contract’s staffing provisions 614 times between January 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024 [1]. This is the third arbitration ruling in favor of NYP RNs, resulting in approximately $675,000 and 141 extra vacation days awarded to remedy staffing violations across three different units [1].

Previous Contract Attempts and Ratification

This rejection follows an earlier tentative agreement reached on February 9th, which was also voted down by the nurses. Previously, on February 10th, nurses at Mount Sinai and Montefiore hospitals ratified their contracts, ending the strike for approximately 10,500 nurses [1]. Nurses from those systems began returning to work on February 14th [1].

Hospital Response and Patient Care

NewYork-Presbyterian has stated its commitment to reaching a fair agreement that reflects respect for its nurses. The hospital has brought in temporary travel nurses to maintain patient care during the strike and reports having hired over 400 new nurses in the last three years [3]. All hospitals remain open and accepting patients, and emergency departments are operational [2].

Ongoing Negotiations

As of February 20, 2026, negotiations between NYSNA and NewYork-Presbyterian are ongoing, with both sides seeking a resolution to end the strike [3]. The union continues to demand improvements in safe staffing standards, while the hospital emphasizes its efforts to address staffing needs and maintain quality patient care.