(NEW YORK CITY) - Physician Members of Doctors Council-Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the Union representing thousands of Front-Line Doctors across New York City, have given a 10-day notice to NYC Health+Hospitals (NYC H+H) and its Private Sector Affiliates, PAGNY (Physician Affiliate Group of New York) and the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, of their intention to commence Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) Strikes at Jacobi Medical Center, North Central Bronx Hospital (NCB), Queens Hospital Center, and South Brooklyn Health beginning on Monday, January 13th.

This historic Strike action comes amid a dire understaffing crisis threatening patient care and would represent the largest work stoppage of Attending Physicians in New York City History, with nearly 1,000 Doctors across three Boroughs taking part.

More than 2,500 Attending Physicians across NYC H+H, who provide vital care to New York City’s most vulnerable populations, have been fighting for a contract since September 2023 that provides sufficient resources for the hospitals to be competitive in a highly tight medical job market.

Additionally, while negotiations have stalled, some Doctors are facing employer cuts to their benefits, including a reduction in Sick Leave by 20%, that threaten their own health and well-being.

"We are on the front lines of health care every day, working tirelessly to provide the best possible care to our communities," said Doctor Joplin Steinweiss, a Primary Care Physician at Jacobi. "But H-and-H and its affiliates are failing to offer a contract that addresses the rising costs of living, the long hours we work, and the increasing stress and burnout we face as our hospitals struggle to recruit and retain qualified Doctors.  Without a fair contract, our communities will continue to face a critical shortage of Doctors and patients will ultimately bear the brunt of the system's failure."

The Strike will affect four key facilities, all of which are central to serving New York’s diverse and underserved communities.

Jacobi, NCB, Queens Hospital Center and South Brooklyn Health are already struggling to manage patient volume and ensure high-quality care in the face of staffing shortages and burnout among Doctors, Union Officials said.

For example, Jacobi and NCB have been unable to recruit any Rheumatologists since 2023 when the entire division resigned, delaying referral appointments or follow-up for patients with critical needs, the Union said.

To Continue Reading This Labor Report, Go To: News from Doctors Council: Doctors Council Members at Four NYC Health + Hospitals Announce January Strike Amid Ongoing Understaffing Crisis

Photo Courtesy Of The Doctors Council’s Website.