New York City nurses are entering the 14th day of their strike, but a key point of contention has seen progress. The New York State Nurses Association reports reaching an agreement with Mount Sinai and New York Presbyterian hospitals to maintain the nurses’ current health benefits plan.
Progress, But No Final Deal
While this agreement addresses a significant sticking point in negotiations, a final, tentative contract has not yet been reached with either hospital. The union states that complete contract agreements are still needed.
Picket lines were paused Sunday and will remain so on Monday due to a Winter Storm Warning. However, the New York State Nurses Association has indicated that nurses plan to resume picketing on Tuesday if a final agreement isn’t reached by then.
NewYork Presbyterian released a statement Sunday detailing a process for evaluating potential savings within the nurses’ healthcare plan. According to the hospital, the Trustees of the Health Benefits Plan will form a committee to explore these options.
Montefiore Hospital has stated that healthcare benefits were not part of their negotiations with the nurses’ union.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the nurses’ strike?
The strike is in its 14th day, but progress has been made on maintaining health benefits at Mount Sinai and New York Presbyterian. A final contract agreement has not yet been reached.
Which hospitals have reached an agreement on health benefits?
Mount Sinai and New York Presbyterian have agreed to maintain the nurses’ current health plan, according to the New York State Nurses Association.
When might the nurses return to the picket lines?
Nurses were not picketing Sunday or Monday due to a Winter Storm Warning, but they plan to return to the picket lines on Tuesday if a final deal is not reached.
As negotiations continue, it remains to be seen whether a comprehensive agreement can be reached that satisfies both the nurses and the hospitals.
