A tentative agreement has been reached between the New York State Nurses Association and NewYork-Presbyterian, potentially ending a strike that began on January 12 and involved approximately 15,000 people. This deal marks the last of three hospital systems – including Mount Sinai and Montefiore – to reach tentative agreements with striking nurses.
The three-year agreement is subject to ratification by union members, who have until 5 p.m. Wednesday to vote. The tentative agreement includes a 12% salary increase, mirroring agreements reached with Mount Sinai and Montefiore, as well as provisions addressing nurse-to-patient ratios and workplace violence.
Expert Insight:
If ratified, approximately 5,000 striking nurses at NYP-Columbia, Allen Hospital, and the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital campuses could return to work as early as February 14.
NYSNA is proceeding with a ratification vote despite opposition from its own executive committee at NewYork-Presbyterian, a decision that has reportedly angered rank-and-file members. Ballots were circulated via email and text message on Tuesday, following a video address from NYSNA executive director Pat Kane, who stated, “The simple fact is that we’ve reached the finish of negotiations.”
One Instagram account representing NewYork-Presbyterian nurses with over 6,000 followers posted, “NYSNA sold us out,” and claimed the union bypassed the executive committee to force a vote.
Combined with the tentative agreements at Mount Sinai and Montefiore, ratification of the NewYork-Presbyterian deal would conclude the longest and largest nurses’ strike in New York City history. The union has emphasized the agreement’s success in preserving healthcare benefits and securing commitments to improve staffing levels.
NYSNA President Nancy Hagans encouraged members to review the details of the agreement, stating, “We believe all striking nurses deserve to see the details of their tentative agreements and receive the opportunity to vote on whether to ratify a new contract.”
The agreement followed a recommendation from a mediator for the same wage increases granted to nurses at Mount Sinai and Montefiore. NewYork-Presbyterian spokesperson Angela Karafazli stated, “We look forward to bringing our nurses back to care for our patients.”
The strike was marked by repeated breakdowns in negotiations and was described as “more bitter than any in recent memory.” The nurses’ union filed over a dozen complaints alleging labor law violations against the three hospital systems, including claims of retaliation against nurses for organizing.
The work stoppage resulted in the cancellation of elective surgeries and required hospitals to reroute patients. Nurses reportedly faced financial hardship, relying on unemployment insurance and crowdfunding. The hospitals spent $100 million on temporary travel nurses, some earning $9,000 per week.
NewYork-Presbyterian, described as one of the wealthiest hospital systems in the country, has faced scrutiny, including a 2024 report indicating its CEO earned more than $26 million in total compensation and a 2025 antitrust probe by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the striking nurses at NewYork-Presbyterian be able to return to work?
The earliest date that the approximately 5,000 striking nurses at NYP-Columbia, Allen Hospital, and the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital campuses will return to work is Feb. 14, pending ratification of the agreement.
What is included in the tentative agreement?
The tentative agreement includes a 12% salary increase over three years, agreements on nurse-to-patient ratios, and provisions addressing workplace violence.
Why is the union allowing a vote despite the executive committee’s rejection of the deal?
NYSNA is allowing a vote to give all members the opportunity to decide on the agreement, despite the executive committee’s decision to reject the proposal.
As nurses consider the terms of this agreement, what factors will be most vital in their decision to ratify or reject the deal?
