Nurses at New York Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital joined together Thursday in a "Speak Out" against the issues they are facing.

Nurses and members of the New York Nurses Association are banding together to call on the hospital to settle a contract that has been in the works for years.

They say it will increase staff, pay and incentivize stronger retention.

The group says staffing for patients in the emergency room, med-surgical floors and the intensive care unit are falling short.

For the past year and a half, the nurses have been battling the virus firsthand on the front lines. They have even lost one of their own through the fight.

Now they say they are battling yet another wave of COVID-19, but with a staggering shortfall in staff.

New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital released a statement to News 12 Thursday morning saying, "As we continue to navigate unprecedented challenges associated with the pandemic, the wellbeing of our team is paramount to us – their safety and the safety of our patients and the community is always our top priority. We value our dedicated nurses and their continued contributions to the numerous regional and national recognitions our hospital has received for clinical excellence and outstanding patient outcomes. Our goal in the ongoing negotiations for a first contract with NYNSA is to reach a fair agreement that recognizes the remarkable work our nurses do every day."

The nurses union says weekly bargaining sessions for this contract will happen through the month of October in hopes to settle a fair contact.