Nurses Strike: Thousands Walk Out at NYC Hospitals

A major strike by nurses began in New York City this morning. Thousands of members of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) have left their jobs. The walkout is happening at several major hospital systems. It is now the largest nurses' strike in the city's history. The union and hospitals could not agree on a new contract. Key issues include pay, staffing levels, and working conditions. NYSNA says chronic understaffing hurts patient care and burns out nurses. Hospital officials say they offered fair pay increases. They warn the strike will disrupt services. Emergency rooms remain open, but many non-urgent procedures are being rescheduled. Temporary replacement nurses are being used. Both sides say they are ready to return to negotiations. For now, the strike continues with no clear end date.