Registered Nurses at New York Presbyterian Queens (NYPQ) held an informational picket outside the hospital on Thursday to call for a fair contract after eight months of negotiating with little movement from management’s side.

The NYPQ care team was supported by elected officials from New York City and State who marched alongside the 1199ers.

Umair Khan, from the NYC Public Advocate Letitia James’ office, said to the 1199 RNs outside the hospital: “This place would not function, it would not provide the amazing care it provides without you.”

Michael Lambert, Deputy NYC Comptroller, NY State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky and Sandra Ung from NYS Congresswoman Grace Meng’s office also joined the information picket to show their support for a decent contract at NYPQ.

Myriam Pagancolon, an RN and delegate explained: "The hospital wants to be able to change our healthcare. In this climate, we need strong language to protect our benefits."

Another RN, Mary Gardner is on the negotiating committee. She added: "We are just asking for fair wages and a cost of living increase. We feel we are at the forefront of the hospital and we deal with the sick of the sickest every day; and we feel that nurses should be able to have good health care benefits.”