Nearly 15,000 nurses launched the largest strike in New York City history, abandoning their posts at major hospitals while demanding outrageous wage increases that would cost taxpayers billions—all while President Trump works to rein in runaway healthcare spending. Historic Labor Action Disrupts Major Hospital Systems The New York State Nurses Association mobilized nearly 15,000 nurses across Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai Morningside, Mount Sinai West, Montefiore Einstein, and NewYork-Presbyterian on January 12. The coordinated walkout began at 6 a.m. at Mount Sinai locations and 7 a.m. at Montefiore and NewYork-Presbyterian facilities. Union President Nancy Hagans led the charge, claiming hospitals prioritize profits over patient safety while demanding massive compensation increases. This strike dwarfs the 2023 nursing strike that affected just two hospitals, making it more than double the previous scale. The timing proves particularly problematic as hospitals prepare for federal healthcare cuts under President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Union demands include nearly 40% wage increases, enhanced benefits packages, and stricter staffing ratios that hospital administrators warn could bankrupt their operations. Unrealistic Financial Demands Threaten the Healthcare System Hospital systems face union demands totaling $3.6 billion in wage increases alone, according to negotiations that collapsed over the weekend. Mount Sinai spokesperson Lucia Lee and Montefiore SVP Joe Solmonese characterized the nurses’ abandonment as “reckless,” particularly given the financial pressures facing healthcare institutions. The Greater New York Hospital Association invested over $100 million in strike preparations, including hiring 1,400 temporary nurses at Mount Sinai and spending $60 million at NewYork-Presbyterian. These astronomical demands come precisely when the Trump administration seeks to eliminate wasteful government healthcare spending that ballooned under previous policies. Hospital executives argue they cannot meet union expectations while facing federal budget reductions and maintaining quality patient care. The disconnect between union demands and fiscal reality highlights the unsustainable spending patterns that conservative reforms aim to address. Government Response Reveals Political Calculations Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state emergency on January 9, suspending specific healthcare licensure requirements to facilitate temporary staffing solutions. Her measured response contrasts sharply with NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who openly picketed in solidarity with striking nurses while assuring residents that city monitoring would prevent care disruptions. Department of Health staff deployed to affected hospitals to oversee patient safety protocols. The political dynamics reveal typical liberal sympathies toward union demands regardless of fiscal consequences. While Hochul attempts balanced mediation, Mamdani’s solidarity picketing demonstrates progressive politicians’ willingness to support unsustainable labor demands. Meanwhile, hospitals discharge patients and boost capacity at unaffected facilities to maintain emergency services despite the workforce disruption created by union intransigence. HAPPENING NOW! Over 17,000 nurses with @nynurses @NationalNurses are on strike in the largest nurses strike in NYC history, demanding fair pay and benefits, improved staffing, and safety on the job. Stay tuned for more coverage. pic.twitter.com/k4zkj8Sw3M — On the Line (@laborontheline) January 12, 2026 Sources: CBS News – Nurses Strike New York City Hospitals ABC News – Largest Nursing Strike in New York City History ABC7 New York – Thousands of Union Nurses at NYC Hospitals Go on Strike Gothamist – Nearly 15K Nurses Begin Strike at Hospitals