Dozens of nurses rallied in midtown ahead of the Monday strike deadline as they continue negotiations with private hospitals.

About 16,000 nurses are threatening to walk off the job .

The New York State Nurses Association reached tentative agreements with five hospitals and rescinded its strike notice for three others.

The union is still in negotiations with some private sector hospital systems, including, Mount Sinai, Montefiore, and NewYork-Presbyterian.

The union is demanding "safe" staffing levels, fully funded health benefits for nurses, protection against workplace violence and "equitable" guaranteed wage increase.

A joint statement from Montefiore Medical Center, Mount Sinai, and NewYork-Presbyterian, said:

"NYSNA leadership has chosen to abandon patients in their time of need, but Montefiore Medical Center, Mount Sinai, and NewYork-Presbyterian will not. Their decision to walk out on our patients can only be described as reckless.

A strike will pose challenges for sure, but our institutions will do whatever is necessary to minimize disruptions to the delivery of the safe, high-quality care we are known for.

We ask NYSNA leadership to reconsider their decision to strike. But if a strike occurs, we are ready to safely care for our patients whatever the duration."

Gov. Kathy Hochul weighed in Friday afternoon on X in a video.

She issued an executive order to ensure qualified personal will continue offering care adding the Department of Health is working around the clock to ensure hospitals have contingency plans.

Hochul called on both parties to stay at the table to come to an agreement.