Day 10: NYC nurses hold the line amid bitter cold

NEW YORK - It is Day 10 of the historic nurses’ strike in New York City, and despite bitter cold temperatures, nurses remain resolute as they march through picket lines, chanting and calling for a fair contract.

Fil-Am registered nurse Lynette Escaño, a pediatric intensive care nurse, has been in the profession for 28 years. She has spent the last 19 years working at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center – Moses Campus, where she serves in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

Lynette Escano on the left. Co-worker and her dog on the right.

“We are here outside fighting for our contract,” Escaño said.

Asked about the status of negotiations, Escaño said there has been little direct communication with union members.

“We don’t know just yet. They met this morning, I think, and last night. But they haven’t met with us, they haven’t given us what we want, and I don’t know where this is going,” she said.

Despite the uncertainty, Escaño said morale among striking nurses remains strong as the walkout enters its tenth day.

“I am very hopeful. I feel stronger, and I know this will lead to a better contract,” she added.

Nurses on strike are currently facing no work, no pay, and no medical insurance, increasing the financial strain as the strike continues.

The rally is scheduled to end at 3 p.m. at the Moses Campus, followed by a nurses’ meeting later in the afternoon to discuss next steps in the ongoing labor dispute.

Nurses taking a break from the bitter cold.