After six weeks of picket lines, tense negotiations, and citywide attention, New York nurses secure a tentative agreement aimed at bringing their six-week strike to a close. The development could officially end what union leaders have described as the largest nurses’ strike in New York City’s history.
The final group of nurses still on strike — roughly 4,200 members at NewYork-Presbyterian — will cast their votes on the proposed contract over the weekend. According to the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), the deal includes wage increases exceeding 12% spread across three years, continued protection of health benefits, and new provisions addressing the responsible use of artificial intelligence in hospital settings.
A Strike That Shook the City
The walkout began on January 12, when approximately 15,000 nurses across three major health systems left their posts, demanding improved pay, safer staffing ratios, and stronger workplace protections. The strike quickly disrupted hospital operations, leading to staffing gaps and widespread concern about patient care.
As the pressure mounted, Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency. The order allowed hospitals to bring in licensed nurses from outside New York and recruit international medical professionals to maintain operations during the strike.
By February 14, about two-thirds of the striking nurses had already returned to work after securing agreements with other hospital systems, including Montefiore Medical Center and Mount Sinai Health System. That left NewYork-Presbyterian as the final major holdout — until now.
Standing Firm for Patient Care
Union leadership praised the perseverance of the nurses who remained on the picket lines despite frigid winter conditions. Nancy Hagans, president of NYSNA, emphasized that nurses refused to compromise on what they view as essential safeguards for patient safety.
For more than a month, nurses rallied outside hospital entrances, arguing that staffing shortages and increasing workloads jeopardized both healthcare workers and patients. The tentative agreement, union officials say, reflects progress not only in wages but also in long-term workplace standards.
Hospital Response and Next Steps
In a public statement, NewYork-Presbyterian spokesperson Angela Karafazli expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting that the hospital reached the proposed settlement through mediation. She described the agreement as a reflection of the institution’s deep respect for its nursing staff.
If nurses approve the contract in the upcoming vote, the agreement will formally conclude a strike that has defined the start of the year for New York’s healthcare system. For many, the tentative deal represents more than a contract — it marks a turning point in an ongoing debate about staffing, compensation, and the evolving role of technology in modern hospitals.
