A potential nurse strike across three Long Island hospitals has been averted after Northwell Health reached tentative contract agreements with the New York State Nurses Association at Huntington, Plainview, and Syosset hospitals.
In a statement released Saturday, Northwell confirmed that NYSNA has officially withdrawn its strike notices at all three facilities, marking a major development after weeks of negotiations and growing concerns over staffing levels and workloads.
“From the start of negotiations, our goal has been to reach a fair contract that supports our valued nurses and upholds the high standard of care our patients and community trust,” said Barbara Osborne, Northwell’s deputy chief public relations officer, in a statement. “This agreement reaffirms our commitment to enabling a supportive work environment and provides our nurses with competitive compensation and benefits. We are pleased to move forward together and continue providing exceptional care for those we serve.”
The agreements apply to nurses at Huntington Hospital, Plainview Hospital, and Syosset Hospital.
On Friday, Plainview Hospital had reached a tentative deal, while negotiations at Huntington and Syosset remained unresolved — leaving a strike looming as early as Monday. Nurses had cited inadequate staffing levels, heavy workloads, and nurse-to-patient ratios as key issues throughout the talks.
The tentative agreements must still be voted on and formally ratified by union members at each hospital.
With the strike notices now withdrawn, all three facilities are expected to continue normal operations as the ratification process moves forward.
Top: Exterior photo of Northwell Health’s Huntington Hospital. (Photo credit: Northwell Health)
