Montefiore Nurses Strike

Riya Bino

On the first two days of December 2020, around 200 healthcare workers from Montefiore hospital went on strike, saying, “We don't have enough staffing” and “It’s not safe to work here”  (CBS New York).

They were on strike to demand that the hospital provides better working conditions, protective equipment, testing, ventilation, and other safety protocols.

For two years, contract negotiations had been going on, and the New York State Nurse Association had already warned the hospital of a two-day strike. According to the union, the latest bargaining session ended with no agreement.   

So, the Union kept their word, and went on strike. “We need them to listen, and there’s no other way for them to listen,” said registered nurse Kathy Santoiemma to CBS.

The biggest ask is for more staff, especially now in this pandemic. Melissa Ricketts, a registered nurse, said to CBS, “We don’t have enough staffing so we can’t take adequate care of the patients.”

The hospital released a full statement at their news conference, stating the terms they presented the union:

In negotiations over the past 18-months we offered NYSNA:

Over 7% in wage increases

Medical expenses for retired nurses

Tuition reimbursement of $7,500 per year

Health insurance with no employee contributions

Funding for the NYSNA Pension Fund

To most, this would seem like a good deal, even in the absence of the COVID-19 pandemic when hospitals and individuals are struggling financially (CBS).

According to the hospital, NYSNA rejected the offer and was misleading the public that Montefiore was unprepared for the latest Covid-19 strain. “The truth is, in compliance with the Governor’s orders, MNR is stocked with 90 days of PPE for its employees. NYSNA is selfishly putting the community at risk and using COVID-19 as a political football,” the hospital said in its statement.