February 9, 2026 NEW YORK, NY The ice is finally melting on the largest nursing strike in New York City history. After a grueling month of standing ground in sub-zero temperatures, the "white coat" frontline has secured a historic win that will change the face of healthcare in the city forever.

The Breakthrough: A Valentine’s Day Return

In a massive win for labor, the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) announced tentative agreements with Mount Sinai and Montefiore on Monday. If the 10,500 members vote to ratify the deal between February 9 and 11, the city’s healthcare heroes will be back at the bedside by February 14.

What a way to spend Valentine’s Day: returning to the patients they spent four weeks fighting for.

The Spoils of War: What the Nurses Won

This isn't just a minor bump in pay; it’s a total overhaul of the nursing contract. The deal includes:

• A 12% Salary Surge: A massive pay increase over three years designed to keep the best nurses in NYC.

• The "Human" Clause: In a groundbreaking move, nurses secured the first-ever safeguard against AI in their contracts, ensuring technology assists—rather than replaces—human care.

• Staffing & Safety: Enforceable ratios to prevent burnout and new, ironclad protections against workplace violence.

• Zero-Cost Benefits: Healthcare benefits remain intact with no extra out-of-pocket costs.

"We held the line in the cold and in the snow," said NYSNA President Nancy Hagans, RN. "Now, we head back with our heads held high."

The Holdout: Chaos Continues at NewYork-Presbyterian

While the celebrations begin at Mount Sinai and Montefiore, the air remains heavy at NewYork-Presbyterian. Approximately 4,200 nurses that are still trapped in a stalemate.

Despite the progress elsewhere, talks at NewYork-Presbyterian have stalled. The tension reached a boiling point last Thursday when over a dozen nurses were arrested for blocking the entrance to the Greater New York Hospital Association. While they were released the same day, the message was clear: they aren't backing down until they get the same respect as their peers.

Is it Safe to Visit the Hospital?

If you’re worried about seeking care, hospital management and the union have issued a rare joint message: Don't wait. While the strike continues for some, emergency rooms remain open and staffed by agency nurses and Department of Health oversight. However, with 10,000 veteran nurses set to return to the rotation next week, the "relief" New York’s medical system needs is finally on the horizon.