New York City's Biggest Nurse Strike Ever: What's Happening and Why?

New York City is facing a major issue. Thousands of nurses have gone on strike. This is the biggest nurse strike in the city's history. It started because of a disagreement over a new contract. The nurses are asking for better pay and working conditions. They say the hospitals they work for are not listening. The hospitals say the nurses' demands are too high. They also say the strike is putting patients at risk. The strike began early in the morning. Nurses at Mount Sinai started at 6 a. m. Nurses at other hospitals started later. The governor of New York has declared a state of emergency. She is worried about the impact on patients. The hospitals say they are ready to handle the strike. They have brought in extra nurses to cover the shifts. They also say they have made good offers to the nurses. But the nurses say these offers are not enough. The mayor of New York City has joined the nurses on the picket line. He supports their demands. He says nurses deserve respect and fair pay. He also says the hospitals should negotiate in good faith.The nurses say they are striking because they care about their patients. They say the hospitals are putting profits ahead of patient safety. They also say they are facing violence at work. They want better protections. The hospitals say the nurses' demands are reckless. They say the nurses are abandoning their patients. They also say they are willing to keep negotiating. But they say the nurses need to be reasonable. Patients are being told not to delay treatment. The hospitals say they will stay open. They also say they will provide care during the strike. But some patients and their families are worried. One issue that has come up is nurses' access to medications. Some nurses say they can't pick up prescriptions at Montefiore Hospital. They say this is because of the strike. The hospital says nurses can have their prescriptions delivered to their homes. The strike is ongoing. Both sides say they want a deal. But they are far apart on key issues. It's unclear when or if they will reach an agreement.