NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- A hospital in Westchester County is facing a two-day nurses strike as a surge in COVID-19 cases continues across the area.
The strike at Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital began at 7 a.m. Tuesday and could last two days if no agreement is reached.
The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) is asking for safer working conditions and more staffing to deal with the potential surge in COVID-19 patients as the number of infections continues to rise.
Marcos Crespo, senior vice president of community affairs for Montefiore Medicine, said the hospital offered the union a 7 percent wage increase, tuition reimbursement as well as other benefits but it wasn't enough.
“Montefiore New Rochelle is taking steps to protect the community because NYSNA leadership has chosen to go on strike during the latest surge of COVID-19,” Crespo said in a statement Monday. “To most this would seem like a good deal, even in the absence of the COVID-19 pandemic when hospitals and individuals are struggling financially.”
The nurses' union demands that the hospital addresses safety concerns such as PPE as well as staffing and the nurse-to-patient ratio including hiring more nurses.
"This place was the epicenter, the beginning of COVID," said Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez, with the New York State Nurses Association. "We have nurses who've died. We have people who've died, who've worked here for lack of PPE, for improper care, improper staffing and training. That's what this strike is about."
The hospital on Monday, began to relocate patients in preparation for the strike at a time where the 7-day rolling average of COVID cases has risen to 6.19 percent.
"Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital will remain open but will enact contingency plans, including relocating patients to other facilities to ensure their safety," Crespo added.
The strike is expected to take place 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.