The strike, which began January 12 and involved about 15,000 nurses across three major New York hospital systems, represents a significant victory for the union in negotiations over working conditions.

More than 4,000 nurses at NewYork-Presbyterian voted Saturday to approve a new contract, ending a strike that lasted more than a month. The New York State Nurses Association said 93 percent of its members voted to ratify the three-year deal, which includes raises topping 12 percent over the contract period, staffing improvements, and safeguards on the use of artificial intelligence.

The nurses are due to return to work in the coming week. The strike began January 12 and involved about 15,000 nurses across three major private hospital systems in New York: NewYork-Presbyterian, Montefiore, and Mount Sinai.

What the contract secures

According to the union, the agreement provides raises topping 12 percent over three years, staffing improvements, and protections against excessive artificial intelligence use in the workplace.

Union President Nancy Hagans said in a statement: “We are so happy with the wins we achieved, and now the fight to enforce these contracts and hold our employers accountable begins.”

NewYork-Presbyterian said in a statement that the contract “reflects our respect for our nurses and the critical role they play as part of our exceptional care teams.”

Other hospitals reach deals

Montefiore and Mount Sinai reached contract agreements with the same union earlier this month.

The strike affected only some facilities within the three systems and did not involve any city-run hospitals.

Impact during the walkout

During the strike, the hospital systems brought on thousands of temporary nurses, transferred some patients, and canceled some procedures. The hospitals said they smoothly delivered care, including complex surgeries, but some vulnerable patients and their families said some routine tasks took longer.

The union complained of unmanageable workloads and accused the hospitals of attempting to chip away at health benefits. The hospitals contested those claims and said the union’s demands were exorbitant.

Prior labor action

Nurses at Montefiore and Mount Sinai struck in 2023 as well. That strike lasted three days.