Two New York City hospitals have reached a tentative contract agreement with thousands of striking nurses. Ending this week’s walkouts that have disrupted patient care, officials announced Thursday.
Nurses, represented by the New York State Nurses Association. Walked out early Monday after negotiations with management at Mount Sinai Hospital. In Manhattan and Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx. Each has 1,000 beds and 3,500 or more union nurses.
Nurses at both hospitals should return to work Thursday morning, the union said.
The union has emphasized staffing levels as a key concern, saying nurses who labored. Through the worst peak of the coronavirus pandemic are stretched too thin because so many jobs remain open. Nurses say they have had to work overtime, manage twice as many patients and skip meals and even bathroom breaks.
The contracts with both hospitals include concrete, enforceable staffing ratios, the union said. The agreement with Montefiore included what Union described as community. Health improvements and nurse-student partnerships to hire local nurses from the Bronx.
“Through our unity and putting everything on the line. We won safe staffing ratios enforced at both Montefiore and Mount Sinai where nurses. Went on strike for patient care,” NYSNA
President Nancy Hagans said in a statement. “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.”
Privately owned, nonprofit hospitals say they are struggling with. A massive nursing shortage that was exacerbated by the pandemic.
“Our bargaining team continues to work around the clock with NYSNA’s leadership to come to an agreement,” Montefiore said in a statement. “From the beginning, we have come to the table committed to bargaining in good faith and addressing issues of priority for our nursing staff.”
The hospital said it is focused on securing the best possible working. Environment for nurses “with significant wage and benefit increases. Through contracts with the union.
“Our proposed contract is similar to NYSNA and eight other hospitals in New York City. It’s fair and responsible, and it puts patients first,” Mount Sinai Health System said.
As the strike deadline approaches, several private hospitals around the city. Have reached agreements with the union. Contracts grew by a total of 19% over three years.
