Nearly 15,000 nurses at major New York City hospitals went on strike on Monday, demanding more robust staffing levels, higher pay and better safety precautions.

Fifteen thousand nurses are striking in New York City for a second day, seeking better pay and protection from workplace violence, among other concessions.

Nurses from some of the city’s leading hospitals went on strike early Monday, with labor and management unable to reach a deal that would pay nurses more, provide better security and ensure minimum staffing.