Healthcare Workers’ Strikes Highlight Nationwide Violence and Staffing Issues

Emergency room nurse Crystal Dhooghe spoke at a rally at Michigan State Capitol on March 17. She is part of the workforce at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital on strike since September 1, 2025. Dhooghe didn’t anticipate witnessing so much violence against her colleagues. “I’ve seen nurses get shoved, pushed, scratched. The biggest one is bitten,” she said.

Many states, including Michigan, Louisiana, and New York, are experiencing strikes driven by workplace violence concerns. Dhooghe and her coworkers have protested since last Labor Day. “People ask why I stay if treated like this,” said Dhooghe, relying on strike benefits and extra shifts. She noted that workplace conditions are similar elsewhere.

Henry Ford spokesperson Dana Jay acknowledged healthcare worker violence as a “national epidemic.” The health system uses metal detectors, armed guards, and offers staff de-escalation training. “We have zero tolerance for violence,” stated Jay, adding the strike focuses on economic issues.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals healthcare workers face seven times the likelihood of workplace violence injury compared to other professions. This conflict over violence has intensified negotiations over compensation and staffing versus cost-cutting.

ER Environments and “Code Gray” Incidents

Violence in medical settings appears so frequently that it features on shows like The Pitt. “Emergency rooms right now are like a powder keg,” said Rachel Odes, Assistant Professor at University of Wisconsin-Madison. In hospitals, a violent patient triggers a “code gray.” Such episodes can be unpredictable, but chances increase with staffing shortages.

Mental health worker Andrew Kimball-Mirzaie was assaulted in February 2024 at Butler Hospital, R.I. After just six weeks on the job, he was attacked by a patient while monitoring him. The assault resulted in a concussion and nose fracture. “We should have had at least another staff member,” he said.

He joined a three-month strike, persuading the hospital to agree on wage hikes and financial aid for injured staff. Despite successes, incidents continue. Five months later, a nurse supervisor at Butler had to call 911 during a patient assault. Hospital and union leaders continue to review and improve safety measures, though.

National and State Responses to Healthcare Violence

The American Hospital Association advocates for strengthening punishments to prevent such violence. It supports federal crime status for healthcare worker assault, with penalties up to 10 years in prison. While 45 states have similar laws, experts find no evidence of reduced violence incidences.

Healthcare workers often argue for “safe staffing” over harsher punishments. The Joint Commission, accrediting most U.S. hospitals, now requires adequate staffing and training. Still, federal law does not restrict patient numbers per nurse. National Nurses United has long pursued a national staffing standard.

Only California mandates nurse-patient ratios, linked with lower mortality and better staff retention. Oregon has a staffing law with exceptions. Similar legislation in Massachusetts and New Jersey has stalled.

The American Hospital Association calls mandatory staffing ratios problematic, citing potential staffing shortages and restricted hospital flexibility. In California, new staffing ratios reportedly led to bed closures.

Jordan Barab, from Occupational Safety and Health Administration, suggests actions beyond staffing increases. Hospitals could implement de-escalation training, install metal detectors, or employ specialized security staff for immediate incident responses.

Debbie Berkowitz from Georgetown University warns of financial pressures squeezing hospital budgets. She predicts worker protection may suffer cuts first when funding tightens. This article forms part of NPR’s collaboration with KFF Health News on health reporting.