New York City nurses end strike with tentative contract

Thousands of New York City nurses will be back to work Thursday after their union reached a tentative contract agreement with two major hospitals, officials announced.

More than 7,000 nurses went on strike Monday after their union, the New York State Nurses Association, was unable to reach a contract with Mount Sinai Hospital and Montefiore Medical Center. 

The tentative contract ensures better staffing ratios and a 19% raise over three years, The Associated Press reported.

The union had expressed concerns over staffing issues that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Today, we can return to work with our heads held high, knowing that our victory means safer care for our patients and more sustainable jobs for our profession," said nurse Nancy Hagans, president of the state union.

The agreement "is fair and responsible, and it puts patients first," Mount Sinai said.

Montefiore, which rescheduled all elective surgeries during the strike, said: "We know this strike impacted everyone—not just our nurses—and we were committed to coming to a resolution as soon as possible to minimize disruption to patient care."

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) congratulated the nurses on the new contract. She said her administration has been "working around the clock to bring all sides together" and she is "proud" of the results.