Montefiore Hospital Lays Off 12 Nurses for AI, Violating Post-Strike Contract

2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 13

Twelve Montefiore utilization review nurses were laid off Sunday after the Bronx hospital replaced their work with AI-powered software, according to the New York State Nurses Association.
The union says the cuts breach protections won after New York City nurses struck in January 2026; the 12 workers got 45-day notices on May 28 after returning from the strike to altered workflows in February.
Marilyn Shuler, a 39-year Montefiore nurse, said the job involves complex chart review and insurance communication over medication changes and discharge planning that AI cannot handle alone.
Montefiore did not address the layoffs directly, saying only that it is investing in technology for a nonclinical paperwork program and calling the union's claims inaccurate and misleading.
National Nurses United said the case could become one of the first union-handled AI layoff fights in nursing, widening a broader battle over safeguards for AI in healthcare.