Montefiore staff members gathered today outside the hospital on East 210th Street after they say their demands for raises were not fully met. Now they're deciding whether or not to strike.

About a dozen staff members are at the hospital's entrance, and they plan on being there through 7 p.m. Monday. They are inviting their fellow staff members to come out and vote today, deciding if they will strike.

Representatives say they have made little progress on their contract with the League of Voluntary Hospitals and Homes. They say they presented their demands in mid-July and didn't hear back for two months and when they did, the raise was reportedly not substantial - a 1% raise. As they fight for fairer wages, they say they are prepared to strike, but they hope it doesn't escalate that far.

The hospital workers also plan on coming back Tuesday as well. With their contracts ending Sept. 30, they hope to come to an agreement ahead of that date.

A spokesperson for the League of Voluntary Hospitals and Homes released a statement saying, "Health care workers have displayed incredible bravery and professionalism serving on the front lines of this pandemic, and we are proud to offer wages and benefits that recognize their contributions while providing our patients the best health care in the world. We have held numerous bargaining sessions with several more scheduled, and while the decision to strike is the union’s alone, we’ve been clear that we will continue to bargain in good faith to reach our shared goal: an agreement that is fair, reasonable, and responsible for all of us.”