Mayor Adams urges mediation to avert strike at four NYC public hospitals
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has called on Doctors Council SEIU and the private healthcare providers employing these physicians to enter a mediation process.
In an urgent bid to prevent a looming physicians’ strike, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has called on Doctors Council SEIU and the private healthcare providers employing these physicians to enter a mediation process.
The proposed 60-day “cooling off” period aims to address underlying labor disputes while maintaining uninterrupted care for thousands of New Yorkers who rely on these public hospitals.
“Our administration is committed to providing excellent and equitable health care to New Yorkers while also ensuring all workers in our city are treated fairly and with dignity,” Mayor Adams said. “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.”
Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom underscored the critical role these hospitals play in the city’s healthcare system, stating, “These four hospitals provide essential care to New Yorkers, including emergency and trauma services, inpatient and burn care, behavioral health and psychiatric treatment, and ambulatory and primary care — a strike could impact the health of thousands of New Yorkers. The Adams administration’s efforts will be helpful to try to resolve the underlying labor dispute and advance us all towards our shared mission of health care and equity for all.”
NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Dr. Mitchell Katz echoed the urgency of resolving the dispute. “We value the physicians who serve patients at NYC Health + Hospitals every day,” Dr. Katz said. “Our primary goal is to prevent a strike and ensure that quality care remains uninterrupted for our patients at these four hospitals.”
The potential strike, announced on January 2, 2025, would affect four NYC Health + Hospitals facilities: Jacobi, North Central Bronx, South Brooklyn Health, and Queens. Physicians at these facilities are employed by private entities, including Mt. Sinai (Queens) and the Physician Affiliate Group of New York (Jacobi, North Central Bronx, and South Brooklyn), which contract with NYC Health + Hospitals to deliver essential services.
Mayor Adams has urged all parties to agree on a mediator and refrain from taking further action toward a strike during the cooling-off period. The city stands ready to facilitate discussions through Labor Relations Commissioner Renee Campion.
The administration remains hopeful for a resolution that prioritizes the well-being of New Yorkers while addressing labor concerns equitably.
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