Mayor Adams’ Statement On New York City’s Preparations for Potential Nurses’ Strike

January 8, 2023

NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Eric Adams released the following statement tonight on the city’s preparations in advance of a potential nurses’ strike: 

“Nurses stand on the frontlines of our health care system, and we all were witness to their heroic actions during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"We are encouraged that most New York City hospitals have reached tentative agreements to avert a nurses’ strike and ask that all of the parties remain at the bargaining table for however long it takes to reach a voluntary agreement. We are simultaneously continuing to closely monitor the effect that a strike would have at the remaining handful of hospitals that have not yet reached a deal. In the event of a strike, our system will be prepared to meet the challenges. 

“Our teams are in regular communication with the Greater New York Hospital Association, hospital systems across the five boroughs, and with our partners in New York State to ensure New Yorkers continue to receive care. New York City Emergency Management is preparing to activate our situation room to monitor hospital operations citywide if a strike occurs and will be joined by representatives from the New York City Department of Health, NYC Health + Hospitals, the Greater New York Hospital Association, and additional public and private agencies. The Fire Department of New York City has contingency plans in place to reroute ambulances and NYC Health + Hospitals has emergency strategies to handle a surge in patients. 

“If there is a nurses’ strike, hospitals in certain areas may experience impacts to operations, including possible delayed or limited service. We encourage all New Yorkers to call 911 only for emergencies, and be prepared to seek an alternate facility in case their preferred hospital is impacted. 

“Again, while New York City is prepared for a potential strike, we are hopeful that all parties keep working to reach a voluntary agreement.” 

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