Members of the New York State Nurses Association have voted to authorize a strike at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in New York City.
The union represents about 1,250 nurses at the hospital, according to a May 19 news release from the NYSNA. NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital is part of NewYork-Presbyterian.
More than 99 percent of voting union members voted in favor of authorizing a strike, according to the union release. The nurses' contract expired on April 30, and the union has been in negotiations with management for months.
During negotiations, safe staffing has been a key sticking point, the union said. The NYSNA contends management has proposed staffing cuts and unsafe floating and has not engaged in serious talks on staffing improvements.
NYSNA member leader Sharonda Green-Carter, RN, said in the union release: "We don't take striking lightly, but our members are united and prepared to strike if NYP-Brooklyn Methodist gives us no other option. Despite many bargaining sessions, hospital administration is still proposing staffing cuts that we find unacceptable and that would compromise the care we are able to deliver to our patients."
A vote to authorize a strike does not mean a strike will occur. The union would have to deliver a 10-day notice before going on strike.
"We respect and value our nurses, who play a central role in delivering the exceptional care that NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital is known for," the hospital said in a statement shared with Becker's.
"We remain hopeful that union leadership shares our dedication to reaching a fair and reasonable contract agreement, and we continue to bargain in good faith. All necessary preparations are being made to ensure that, in the event of any work stoppage by the union, our patients will continue to receive the same high-quality care, without interruption."