Montefiore Moses emergency nurses allege retaliation after strike

Nurses say new workflow changes put patients at risk, demand meeting with hospital leadership

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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New York State Nurses Association nurses in the Montefiore Moses emergency department who returned to work after a 28-day strike are once again at odds with hospital leadership, alleging an atmosphere of retaliation and unilaterally-imposed workflow changes that they say put themselves and patients at risk. The union is preparing to file charges against the hospital and, if necessary, complain to the state Department of Health about the new procedures.

Why it matters

The ongoing tensions between the nurses and Montefiore leadership highlight the challenges healthcare workers can face when advocating for better working conditions and patient care. The allegations of retaliation and unsafe workflow changes raise concerns about the hospital's commitment to supporting its staff and providing quality care.

The details

According to the nurses, changes implemented during their absence include allowing head nurses to be "covered for" by others who lack the necessary training, and the removal of a whiteboard-and-magnet system that allowed them to easily track patient assignments and flow. The nurses say the new system is confusing, puts patients at risk of misdiagnosis or mismanagement, and exposes the hospital to greater liability. They also feel their department, which was "the most vocal" during the strike, is now being scrutinized, with increased presence of system leaders and restrictions on wearing NYSNA-branded surgical caps.

  • The nurses returned to work on February 14, 2026 after an 86% vote to ratify a new contract.
  • The union sent a letter to Montefiore leadership on February 15, 2026 demanding an immediate meeting to discuss their concerns.

The players

New York State Nurses Association

The union representing the Montefiore Moses emergency department nurses.

Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez

A union negotiator and former NYSNA president who wrote the letter to Montefiore on behalf of the nurses' executive committee.

Montefiore Moses

The Bronx hospital where the emergency department nurses work.

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What they’re saying

“In addition to the union's demand to cease and desist [retaliation actions], the Moses ED staff is more than willing to meet with you to discuss issues related to care and flow so that together we can collaborate about the best and most efficient way to deliver the excellent care our community deserves.”

— Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez, Union negotiator and former NYSNA president (Bronx Times)

“Our fight is for the soul of his hospital, for the practice of nursing, and for the defense of our marginalized communities that are being treated like second-class citizens.”

— Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez (Bronx Times)

What’s next

The union is preparing to file charges against the hospital and, if necessary, complain to the state Department of Health about the new procedures implemented by Montefiore.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the ongoing tensions between healthcare workers and hospital management, even after a major labor dispute. The nurses' allegations of retaliation and unsafe workflow changes raise concerns about Montefiore's commitment to supporting its staff and providing quality patient care, underscoring the need for continued advocacy and collaboration between nurses and hospital leadership.