Erica Brosnan at Spectrum News/NY 1 reports contract talks between New York City’s largest Private Hospital Systems and the Union representing their Nurses - the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), are continuing today (Friday, January 30th) as the massive walkout entered its 19th day. The more than 15,000 Nurses have been on Strike since January 12th at Hospitals run by Mount Sinai, Montefiore and NewYork-Presbyterian. The walkout is the largest Nurses Strike in the City’s History. NYSNA say talks have stalled on what they call the most important issues: Safe staffing levels and protections against workplace violence. Nurses and their supporters planned a morning speak-out outside NewYork-Presbyterian facilities to mark the end of the Strike’s third week and were expected to be joined by representatives from American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees District Council 37, 32BJ Service Employees International Union, 1199 SEIU and the New York City AFL-CIO Central Labor Council. “New York City is a ‘Union Town,’” NYSNA President Nancy Hagans said. “And when greedy bosses pick a fight with any group of Workers in our City, we have each other’s backs because an injury to one is an injury to all. Nurses are Caregivers, but we are also Workers who deserve dignity, respect and safety at work. We will not tolerate Union-Busting and we will not back down on our demands for safe staffing and protections from workplace violence.”

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: Negotiations continue as nurses strike heads toward 4th week