Largest nurses strike in NYC history starts as contract talks stall

NEW YORK, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- About 15,000 nurses went on strike Monday after their union and hospitals failed to reach a breakthrough in contract negotiations, marking the largest nursing strike in New York City history, according to local media.

The New York State Nurses Association said nurses from five privately-run hospitals walked off the job, accusing their hospitals of refusing to "settle fair contracts that include enforceable safe staffing ratios, guaranteed healthcare benefits for frontline nurses, and protections from workplace violence."

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on Friday, ahead of the strike, as it comes amid a severe flu season and could disrupt hospital operations.