15,000 Nurses Strike Across NYC Hospitals, Demanding Better Staffing and Conditions
January 20, 2026
NYSNA reports limited progress from these sessions and notes the absence of scheduled meetings for the week as the strike continues.
Hospital officials say they will maintain employer-funded health benefits, arguing their packages already exceed many private-sector peers.
Mamdani highlights the need for a city where nurses can live and work, while backing the nurses’ bargaining position.
NYSNA seeks improved staffing ratios, protections from workplace violence, and enhanced benefits for nurses and patients.
Advocate Mamdani urges a safe, dignified work environment and the resumption of negotiations so nurses can return to work.
Public demonstrations outside Mount Sinai West show broad backing for the nurses, with taxi drivers and other community members chanting in solidarity.
Rallies denounce perceived greed in health care and call for renewed bargaining, echoing support from drivers honking along the picket line.
The nurses’ strike began January 12 and now involves about 15,000 nurses across Mount Sinai, Montefiore, and NewYork-Presbyterian, with limited progress in negotiations and no talks scheduled for the current week.
Negotiations have occurred separately with each hospital system—one bargaining session per system since the walkout started—again with no talks set for the week.
Hospitals insist patient care remains normal and emphasize they’ve committed resources, including temporary staffing, to cover shifts and maintain operations.
Personal nurse stories at Mount Sinai West underscore concerns about benefits and the ability to care safely for patients amid the strike.
Supporters, including Sanders, criticize executive pay in healthcare and press hospital leaders to resume negotiations with NYSNA, advocating better nurse staffing ratios and fair terms.
Summary based on 5 sources
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Sources

CBS News • Jan 20, 2026
NYC Mayor Mamdani, Sen. Bernie Sanders join striking nurses on picket line
AP News • Jan 20, 2026
Mayor Mamdani and Sen. Sanders join nurses' strike in Manhattan | AP News
ABC News • Jan 20, 2026
NYC Mayor Mamdani and Sen. Sanders rally with nurses on 9th day of strike
Daily Freeman • Jan 20, 2026
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and US Sen. Bernie Sanders rally with nurses on ninth day of strike