Last Group of Striking N.Y.C. Nurses Reach Tentative Deal With Hospital

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by Joseph Goldstein

February 20, 2026

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After nearly six weeks of striking, the final group of nurses at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia hospital has reached a tentative agreement with one of New York City’s largest medical centers. This deal comes after one of the longest and largest nurse strikes in recent decades, involving over 15,000 nurses from three major health systems. While the agreement still needs to be ratified by rank-and-file members, this development marks a potential end to the lengthy standoff. The strike began on January 12 when nurses at three major health systems—Montefiore Medical Center, Mount Sinai Hospital, and others in the Mount Sinai Health System—walked out, citing issues such as inadequate nurse staffing levels, workplace violence, and concerns over patient care. By mid-February, more than 10,000 nurses from four hospitals had already reached agreements with their employers and returned to work. However, over 4,000 nurses at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia continued their strike, aiming for a better deal that reflects their commitment to patient care. The striking nurses were led by Beth Loudin, a nurse and local union leader who emphasized the strength of their collective effort. “This has been a long, hard fight,” she said, “but we showed the hospital that nurses will not compromise on our patients’ care.” A spokeswoman for the hospital confirmed the tentative agreement, signaling progress toward resolving the dispute. The resolution of this strike is significant for several reasons. It highlights the ongoing challenges faced by healthcare workers in advocating for better working conditions and patient safety. The prolonged nature of the strike underscores the complexities involved in negotiating such agreements, particularly in high-stakes environments like hospitals. For readers interested in labor rights, workplace safety, and the broader implications for the healthcare system, this story provides insight into the struggles faced by medical staff and the importance of their role

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/20/2026