In the Bronx, nurses and veterans protested outside the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in Fordham against proposed staffing cuts by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to eliminate over 380 positions in New York City VA hospitals and about 25,000 unfilled jobs nationwide. Protesters said the cuts could affect veteran care. Ann Marie Lunetta of National Nurses United told PIX11, "Every unit you look at is looking for staff."
Healthcare tensions are rising at Montefiore Medical Center and BronxCare Health System, where staff are demanding fair contracts and better working conditions. Nurse practitioner Johnaira Florian told News 12, "We're asking for stronger safety protocols and more operating space, and we're not getting much traction," as workers prepare for what could be New York City's largest nursing strike.
At the VA, staffing shortages noted in an Inspector General's report continue to concern both veterans and healthcare staff. Army veteran Jose Vasquez shared his experience with News 12, saying, "As I stand before you, I am cancer-free," showing the critical impact of these healthcare positions despite ongoing challenges.
