NYC nurses strike: Hospital accuses union of trying to protect drunk, high workers
NEW YORK CITY - The largest nurses' strike in New York City is entering its second day as one of the city's major hospitals is reportedly accusing the union of making demands that could affect patient safety.
What they're saying:
"NYSNA leadership’s demand that a nurse not be terminated if found to be compromised by drugs or alcohol while on the job is another example of putting their own self-interest before patient safety," Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications Joe Solmonese for Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx told Fox News Digital in a statement.
Montefiore also reportedly claimed that the New York State Nurses Association are pushing for a highly excessive increase in pay.
"As they double down on their $3.6 billion in reckless demands, including nearly 40% wage increases, we remain resolute in our commitment to providing safe and seamless care," Solmonese said.
Labor attorney speaks on NYC nurses’ strike
Parag Amin, Esq., a Los Angeles-based business and employment lawyer, spoke with FOX 5 NY’s Teresa Priolo about the ongoing New York City nurses’ strike, the largest in city history.
The other side:
The NYSNA has yet to respond to a request for comment, according to Fox News.
Thousands of NYC nurses on strike today at Mount Sinai, more hospitals | Latest
Thousands of nurses across New York City are on strike this Monday morning in what could be the largest nurses strike in city history. Here's the latest.
The backstory:
On Monday, an estimated 15,000 nurses walked off the job at hospitals within the Mount Sinai, Montefiore and New York-Presbyterian systems.
Union leaders say the city's nurses are striking after hospital administrators failed to meet their demands for better pay, safe staffing levels, fully funded health benefits and stronger workplace protections.
What's next:
Some nurses have returned to work on Tuesday, despite no deal being reached.
About 20% of nurses at Mount Sinai crossed the picket line on Monday, according to a spokesperson, who says more are expected in the coming days.
Although only a small group of nurses were seen gathered on Tuesday morning, union leaders say they expect those numbers to continue to grow.
The Source: Information from this article was sourced from FOX News and previous reporting by FOX 5 New York.