The union representing 18,000 nurses at 14 private hospitals in New York City says its members could go on strike if negotiations with management fail.
New York State Nurses Association members said Wednesday they are fighting for higher staffing levels to protect patients.
Union President Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez said nurses are "the lifeline that patients grab when there is no hope."
The New York City Hospital Alliance denies that the hospitals are understaffed.
A spokesman for the alliance says each of the hospitals has put together contingency plans in the event of a work stoppage.
Four days of negotiations are starting Wednesday. The nurses have been without contract since around the beginning of the year.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
