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Published on January 04, 2025
Mayor Eric Adams Intervenes to Avert Doctors' Strike at NYC Public Hospitals with Mediation ProposalSource: Google Street View

Mayor Eric Adams is intervening to prevent a potential strike by doctors at four major New York City public hospitals. He has called for both the Doctors Council SEIU, the union representing the physicians, and private health care providers to engage in mediated negotiations to avoid disruption to health care services across the city.

According to the official website of the City of New York release, the mediation is part of a 60-day "cooling off period" where both parties would work to resolve their differences without the threat of a strike. The Doctors Council issued a notice on Thursday, signaling a potential strike that could impact four key facilities: NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, North Central Bronx, South Brooklyn Health, and Queens. Mitchell Katz, President and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, emphasized the importance of preventing a strike to ensure continued quality care.

Mayor Adams stressed the need for mediation, saying, "A physicians’ strike at four public safety-net hospitals in three boroughs poses substantial risks to the health and safety of the city’s patients and our communities. That is why I have asked all parties to return to the table with the help of a mediator to come to an agreement. I also commit the efforts of Labor Relations Commissioner Campion if she can be of assistance in helping to resolve this dispute. I know each of the parties share my commitment to ensuring that high-quality care remains available to all New Yorkers, regardless of their ability to pay, and I am hopeful for a speedy solution," in the same release.

Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom emphasized the crucial services provided by these hospitals, including emergency, trauma, inpatient, burn, behavioral health, psychiatric, and primary care. Physicians at these hospitals work for Mt. Sinai and the Physician Affiliate Group of New York, both of which have contracts with NYC Health + Hospitals. A strike could disrupt these vital services and impact many city residents.