An overwhelming majority of hundreds of nurses at two Long Island hospitals voted to authorize a strike.

The nurses are not currently on strike, but the decision allows negotiators to call a strike if needed.

The potential strike would include nurses and health care professionals working at Northwell’s Long Island Jewish Valley Stream and Peconic Bay Medical Center.

The workers are demanding that Northwell agrees to fair contracts that prioritize safe staffing, fair wages and benefits.

If a strike is called, the hospital must have 10 days' notice.

Northwell Health released a statement, saying:

“Peconic Bay Medical Center and LIJ Valley Stream leadership has met with the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) for several sessions since starting negotiations in in the Fall and will continue to bargain in good faith to reach a fair successor contract to their bargaining agreements that expired on Dec. 31, 2023. Our goal is to reach an agreement that continues to provide our valued nurses and allied professionals with competitive compensation and benefits and ensures a safe, supportive working environment that enables them to provide exceptional care that our patients and community have come to trust.”

“We remain optimistic that an agreement can be reached and look forward to positive and productive ongoing negotiations.”