New York Nurses’ Strike Ends After 6 Weeks as Last Holdouts Approve Deal

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by Joseph Goldstein

February 22, 2026

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After a six-week strike, more than 4,000 nurses at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia hospital have voted to approve a contract that includes significant pay raises, improved staffing levels, and protections against layoffs. This decision marks the end of one of the largest and longest nurse strikes in New York City in decades. The strike, which peaked with nearly 15,000 nurses from several major hospitals participating, caused widespread disruption, including patient transfers, canceled surgeries, and the hiring of thousands of replacement nurses. The strike initially involved not only NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia but also other major healthcare facilities like Montefiore Medical Center and Mount Sinai Health System. These actions forced some hospitals to transfer vulnerable patients and rely on temporary staff, which significantly strained the healthcare system. The Columbia hospital nurses were among the last to hold out, continuing their strike even after 10,000 nurses at other facilities had already accepted new contracts. The resolution of this contentious labor dispute comes amid growing tensions between the nurses’ union and hospital executives. This marks the second time in three years that nurses have walked out, raising concerns about future strikes when the next contract expires in three years. Despite the bitterness of the negotiation process, both sides are now focused on moving forward. The new contract reflects the hospital’s recognition of the critical role nurses play in providing exceptional patient care. Angela Karafazli, a spokeswoman for NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia, emphasized respect for the nursing team and their essential contributions to healthcare. While the immediate conflict has ended, the broader implications of labor relations in the healthcare sector remain significant. This strike highlights the ongoing challenges faced by healthcare workers in balancing fair compensation and job security with the needs of the institutions they serve. As both parties work to rebuild trust and collaboration, the outcome of this dispute serves as a reminder of the vital role nurses play in maintaining public health and the importance of addressing their concerns to ensure quality patient care.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/22/2026