NYC nursing walkout ends as last striking nurses approve new contract - AP News
AP News
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The NYC nursing strike, which lasted for six weeks, has come to an end after the remaining striking nurses approved a new contract. The agreement was reached following intensive negotiations involving Mayor Adams and labor leaders. This marked the longest strike in city history, with more than 7,000 nurses participating at its peak, impacting over 1,200 patient beds across 49 hospitals.
The contract includes significant raises for newer nurses based on years of experience, ranging from a $5,000 bonus for those with less than two years to $10,000 for those with more than five years. Additionally, it guarantees a 3% raise in the first year and a 2.5% increase in the second year. The agreement also enhances health benefits and includes plans for future raises tied to inflation.
The strike began in late September when nurses from unions including District 1199 and New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) walked off the job, citing concerns over staffing levels, patient safety, and fair compensation. Tensions escalated as both sides remained deadlocked despite mediation attempts by the state labor relations board.
The resolution of the strike reflects a broader national trend of labor unrest in healthcare, driven by demands for better pay and working conditions. Nurses emphasized their commitment to patient care while advocating for systemic changes to ensure safe staffing ratios and adequate resources. The outcome sets a precedent for future negotiations in public health sectors, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by workers in these fields.
This development is significant for readers interested in labor rights, healthcare policy, and the challenges faced by essential workers. It underscores the importance of collective bargaining in addressing workplace issues and the potential impact of prolonged strikes on both employees and the services they provide.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/22/2026