NYC Mayor Mamdani, Sen. Sanders Support Nurses’ Strike on Day Nine
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders rallied on Tuesday in Manhattan, coinciding with the ninth day of a significant nurses’ strike. This strike, involving approximately 15,000 nurses, is noted as one of the largest in recent history. The demonstration took place outside Mount Sinai West on the Upper West Side of the city.
Calls for Negotiation
Both Mamdani and Sanders urged hospital executives to re-engage in negotiations amid the ongoing contract conflict. Sanders, a prominent figure in the Democratic Socialist movement, criticized the exorbitant salaries of hospital CEOs, advocating for the rights and welfare of healthcare professionals.
Healthcare Industry’s Greed
“The people of this country are sick and tired of the greed in this healthcare industry,” Sanders stated, highlighting the financial disparities faced by nurses compared to hospital executives.
Nurses’ Union and Contract Negotiations
The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) indicated that they have only held limited bargaining meetings with the three main hospital systems affected: Mount Sinai, Montefiore, and NewYork-Presbyterian. Each session has concluded with minimal progress, leaving unresolved issues pertaining to salary and benefits.
- Strike Start Date: January 12
- Participating Nurses: Approximately 15,000
- Proposed Pay Increase: 25% over three years
Healthcare Benefits in Jeopardy
Nurse Nicole Rodriguez expressed concerns about maintaining her health care benefits during this negotiation. She articulated the personal impact of the strike, emphasizing the need for adequate health care support.
Hospital Responses
Hospital administrators claim that the union’s demands are unrealistic given the economic challenges facing healthcare. They argue that their nurses are already among the highest-paid in New York City.
Additionally, the hospitals report their operations continue smoothly, utilizing temporary nurses to fill in staffing gaps during the strike. Brendan Carr, CEO of Mount Sinai, noted the efforts of staff who have chosen to work during this period, stating their commitment to patient care.
Conclusion
The continued standoff and the nurses’ strong advocacy reflect deep-seated issues within the healthcare system in New York City. As the strike proceeds, the future of negotiations remains uncertain. Both the nurses and hospital executives are urged to find common ground for resolution.
