Nurses at South Shore University Hospital could go on strike unless an agreement is reached.

The nurses have been working without a contract for a year and the union representing them is negotiating with Northwell Health.

Local union president and registered nurse Chrysse Blau spoke to News 12 about the conflict.

“We filed our strike notice on Feb. 14, which was not an easy thing to do,” she said. “We have about 10 outstanding items that we’re still negotiating. Among them are staffing ratios, we’re looking for improvements in wages and benefits including retiree health insurance.”

Northwell Health told News 12 this week that they are optimistic that an agreement can be reached.

Blau says the union is determined to make their voices heard.

“We will be negotiating pretty much every day up until the 27th, which is the day that we would go on strike if we don’t have a fair agreement," she said.