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Mamdani faces first test: NYC nurses declare strike
The mayor cited patient safety amid walkouts at private hospitals.
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Anushka Pathak - Mon, 12, Jan 2026
- 12:18 EST
- 28
Nurses on strike in NYC / Courtesy: X/@MicahLasher
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing an early crisis as nearly 15,000 unionized nurses announced a strike in the city.
The walkout began on Jan. 12 at major private hospitals across the city, including Mount Sinai’s main campus, Mount Sinai Morningside and West, Montefiore Medical Center, and NewYork-Presbyterian facilities, after contract negotiations failed.
In a post on X, Mayor Mamdani said patient safety remained the city’s priority during the strike, particularly amid the flu season. He said city agencies were coordinating closely to monitor the situation and prepare for potential disruptions to care.
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“The safety and wellbeing of this city is my top priority and ensuring New Yorkers have the care they need is critical, especially during flu season,” Mamdani wrote.
The safety and wellbeing of this city is my top priority and ensuring New Yorkers have the care they need is critical, especially during flu season.
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) January 12, 2026
The city's Emergency Management team, FDNY, health department, public hospital system, and my senior leadership team are in…
He said the city’s Emergency Management team, FDNY, health department, public hospital system, and senior leadership were in constant communication and prepared for different scenarios arising from the strike.
Mamdani also addressed the concerns raised by nurses over compensation and working conditions, stating that access to healthcare should not be compromised and that nurses should not be asked to accept reduced pay, benefits, or workplace standards.
The strike was called by the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) after contracts expired and talks broke down over wages, staffing ratios, health benefits, and workplace safety. Hospitals affected by the walkout activated contingency plans, including the use of temporary staff.
The situation has placed pressure on the new administration as negotiations continue between hospital management and union representatives, with both sides under scrutiny to reach an agreement and restore normal operations.
The mayor was seen at picket lines alongside striking nurses, reiterating that their demands align with public health interests. Negotiations remain ongoing at the affected hospitals as pressure mounts on both sides to reach a settlement and restore full services.
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