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Published on January 13, 2025
New York City Braces for Potential Strike from 1,000 Public Hospital Doctors Amid Contract DisputeSource: Unsplash/Markus Frieauff

As contract negotiations continue, New York City Health + Hospitals is preparing for the possibility that nearly 1,000 doctors could go on strike across four of its public hospitals. The potential strike, which could result in the cancellation of elective surgeries and outpatient visits, comes despite the absence of an active strike notice, according to Dr. Mitchell Katz, H+H's president and CEO. Katz expressed cautious optimism that a strike can still be avoided, noting that doctors were scheduled to resume talks yesterday—though he acknowledged that arbitration remains an option to prevent a strike.

These developments have been brewing for 15 months as physicians, backed by the Doctors Council SEIU, look to secure better compensation and working conditions. According to Crain's New York Business, the dissenting doctors hail from the Jacobi Medical Center, North Central Bronx Hospital, South Brooklyn Health, and Queens Hospital. They threaten to cease work, citing their compensation and benefits have lagged behind despite the soaring cost of living and the growing burden of their roles.

Upping the ante in these contract negotiations, the union delivered a 10-day strike notice last week, a historic move that could lead to the largest work stoppage by attending physicians in the city’s history. The frustration among doctors is palpable; in a statement obtained by Fierce Healthcare, a primary care physician at Jacobi Medical Center expressed dismay at the system's failure to offer a contract that addresses the worsening conditions and the impacts on patient care. Calling out issues ranging from the ability to recruit and retain qualified doctors to low pay rates, the union is angling to push for a contract that ensures a better healthcare future for New Yorkers.

Despite the looming threat of a strike, Dr. Frances Quee, president of Doctors Council SEIU, has noted the progress made with the help of a mediator, as reported by Crain's New York Business. Quee maintains that while steps towards an agreement are being taken, the union retains the right to quickly file a new 10-day strike notice if negotiations collapse. Meanwhile, NYC H+H spokesperson Chris Miller conveyed the importance of collaborative efforts to avoid a strike and maintain uninterrupted quality care, as per Fierce Healthcare.