Monday began the largest nurses' strike in New York City history, when approximately 15,000 nurses from three hospital systems—Mount Sinai (including Morningside and West), Montefiore, and NewYork-Presbyterian—walked off the job.[1][2][3] The strike followed failed contract negotiations over the weekend as the contracts expired on December 31.[2][5] The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) is demanding higher wages, safer staffing conditions, full health insurance, pensions, and protection from workplace violence.[1][2] NYSNA President Nancy Hagans said hospitals are refusing to address patient and nurse safety and are jeopardizing nurses' health benefits during the flu epidemic.[1][2] Hospitals remain open with replacement nurses, including 1,400 qualified at Mount Sinai, and say the union's $3.6 billion demands, including a 40% wage increase, are putting patients at risk.[1][2] Some politicians, such as state Attorney General Letitia James, supported the sisters.[1] Three Northwell hospitals on Long Island have already reached an agreement and averted a strike.[2]