Key Highlights
- About 15,000 nurses are involved in the strike, according to the New York State Nurses Association.
- The strike, which comes during a severe flu season, could potentially force the hospitals to transfer patients, cancel procedures or divert ambulances.
- It could also put a strain on city hospitals not involved in the contract dispute, as patients avoid the medical centres hit by the strike.
- The hospitals involved have been hiring temporary nurses to try to fill the labour gap during the walkout, and said in a statement during negotiations that they would “do whatever is necessary to minimise disruptions.” Montefiore posted a message assuring patients that appointments would be kept.
- The work stoppage is occurring at multiple hospitals simultaneously, but each medical centre is negotiating with the union independently.
