Nurses at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan remained on strike this week as contract negotiations with hospital management continued without a finalized agreement.

The walkout, organized by the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), centers on staffing levels, patient safety, and working conditions. Union leaders say current nurse-to-patient ratios place patients and healthcare workers at risk.

Photo by Julio Rosa / NYBallot.com

“This Is About Patient Safety”

Dozens of nurses and supporters gathered along Madison Avenue, holding signs reading “Hands Off Our Healthcare” and “You Shall Not Short-Staff.” Protesters chanted while traffic moved past the hospital entrance.

Several nurses told NYBallot that the strike is focused on safe staffing, not just wages.

“When nurses are stretched too thin, patient care suffers,” one demonstrator said.

Photo by Julio Rosa / NYBallot.com

Community Support Grows

The protest drew healthcare workers, families, and local supporters. Many wore red hats and ponchos as a symbol of solidarity with the nursing staff.

Some participants used creative signs and costumes to highlight their message, drawing attention from pedestrians and passing drivers.

Interview conducted by Julio Rosa / NYBallot.com

Hospital Response

Mount Sinai officials have stated that patient care continues during the strike and that contingency staffing plans are in place. Negotiations with the union remain ongoing.

Union representatives say temporary staffing solutions are not a long-term fix and continue to push for improved working conditions.

What’s Next?

Nurses say they will remain on the picket lines until a contract addressing staffing concerns is reached. NYSNA has emphasized that safe patient care remains the central issue.

The strike reflects broader challenges facing hospitals nationwide, including staff shortages and burnout in the healthcare workforce.

Sources

• New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) public statements

• Mount Sinai Hospital press statements

• On-site reporting and interviews by Julio Rosa

• NYBallot.com photo and video documentation