Governor Kathy Hochul has provided an update on ongoing labor negotiations between the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) and hospital leadership. According to Governor Hochul, her administration has been in frequent contact with both parties for several weeks, resulting in progress as eleven hospital systems have either reached agreements or decided not to proceed with planned strikes.
However, negotiations are still ongoing, and strikes are expected to begin tomorrow at three hospital systems located in Manhattan and the Bronx. In response, Governor Hochul stated: “If strikes move forward, the Department of Health will have staff on site at all affected hospitals beginning tomorrow morning and for the duration of the strike to ensure patient safety and continuity of care.”
Governor Hochul emphasized her commitment to patient welfare, saying: “My top priority is protecting patients and ensuring they can access the care they need. At the same time, we must reach an agreement that recognizes the essential work nurses do every day on the front lines of our healthcare system.”
To support hospitals during this period, she signed a two-week Executive Order over the weekend that allows hospital systems to access additional resources needed to maintain patient care.
She concluded by urging both sides to continue negotiating: “I continue to urge both sides to remain at the table and reach an agreement as soon as possible.”
