NYC Nurses, Hospitals to Meet Monday to End Historic Strike

Both sides have issued revised proposals in a bid to stop the bitter 22-day standoff.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 3:31pm

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The union representing 15,000 striking city nurses will meet with officials from three major hospital systems on Monday to try to finally end the longest nursing walkout in New York City history. The New York State Nurse Association and representatives from Presbyterian, Mt. Sinai and Montefiore hospitals said they have issued revised proposals in an effort to settle fair contracts and get nurses back to work.

Why it matters

The strike has disrupted healthcare in New York City for over three weeks, with hospitals relying on expensive travel nurses to maintain patient care. Resolving the dispute over wages, benefits, and staffing levels is crucial for restoring normal operations and ensuring quality care for New Yorkers.

The details

The two sides have been battling over salary increases, benefits, staffing levels, and safety measures. The union initially requested 30% raises over 3 years, which the hospitals rejected as too high. The union has since lowered its demand to 18% increases. The hospitals say they have made a "fair, reasonable, and responsible" economic proposal with annual wage hikes and continued generous benefits.

  • The strike has been ongoing for 22 days as of February 1, 2026.
  • The two sides will meet on Monday, February 3, 2026 to try to reach a settlement.

The players

New York State Nurse Association (NYSNA)

The union representing 15,000 striking nurses in New York City.

Presbyterian Hospital

One of the major hospital systems involved in the negotiations to end the strike.

Mount Sinai Hospital

One of the major hospital systems involved in the negotiations to end the strike.

Montefiore Hospital

One of the major hospital systems involved in the negotiations to end the strike.

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What they’re saying

“We streamlined and revised our proposals in an effort to bring hospital executives back to the table to negotiate in good faith and settle fair contracts as quickly as possible that get nurses back to work to care for New York City.”

— New York State Nurse Association (NYSNA Statement)

“We made a fair, reasonable, and responsible economic proposal that provides annual wage increases and continues generous healthcare and pension benefits, under an economic structure that works for all of the parties and the safety-net hospitals that are tied to our economic terms.”

— Hospital Representatives (Joint Hospital Statement)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Resolving the long-running nursing strike in New York City is crucial for restoring normal healthcare operations and ensuring quality care for patients. Both sides have made concessions in their proposals, suggesting a path forward, but key issues around wages, benefits, and staffing levels still need to be worked out.