NYC Nurses Reach Tentative Deals, Ending Longest Strike

Agreements reached at major hospitals, workers to vote on ratification

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The largest and longest nurses strike in New York City history could soon be over, as the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) has reached tentative contract agreements with several major hospital systems, including NewYork-Presbyterian, Mount Sinai, and Montefiore Einstein. Nurses will vote on whether to ratify the proposals, which include improved staffing standards, pay raises, and other benefits. If approved, most striking nurses could return to work by this weekend.

Why it matters

The nurses' strike, which began on January 12th, has disrupted healthcare services across New York City, with hospitals forced to cancel surgeries, transfer patients, and rely on travel nurses. A resolution to the labor dispute could help restore normal operations and patient care at these major medical centers.

The details

The tentative agreements were reached after days of negotiations between NYSNA and the hospital systems. Key elements of the deals include maintaining enforceable safe staffing standards, increasing the number of nurses to improve patient care, and raising salaries by 12% over the next three years.

  • The nurses' strike began on January 12, 2026.
  • Tentative agreements were reached on February 10, 2026.
  • Nurses will vote on the proposals on February 11, 2026.
  • If approved, most striking nurses could return to work by February 12, 2026.

The players

New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA)

The labor union representing the striking nurses in New York City.

NewYork-Presbyterian

One of the major hospital systems that reached a tentative agreement with NYSNA.

Mount Sinai Hospital

One of the major hospital systems that reached a tentative agreement with NYSNA.

Montefiore Einstein

One of the major hospital systems that reached a tentative agreement with NYSNA.

Nancy Hagans

The president of the New York State Nurses Association.

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What they’re saying

“We believe all striking nurses deserve to see the details of their tentative agreements and get the opportunity to vote on whether to ratify a new contract. As a democratic, member-led union that responds to its members, we are moving forward with a vote on tentative contracts at all four hospitals with the goal of returning all nurses to work as soon as possible.”

— Nancy Hagans, President, New York State Nurses Association (cbsnews.com)

“This process has been difficult for all of us... I commit to you that we will heal the organization together in the service of continuing to help people to live longer and better lives.”

— Mount Sinai CEO (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The nurses will vote on Wednesday, February 11th, to ratify the tentative agreements. If approved, most striking nurses could return to work by Saturday, February 12th.

The takeaway

The resolution of this prolonged nurses' strike in New York City represents a significant victory for healthcare workers, who fought for improved staffing levels, better pay and benefits, and stronger workplace protections. The agreements reached could serve as a model for other hospitals and nurses unions across the country facing similar labor disputes.