Hours after their work contract expired Thursday, nurses at Albany Medical Center said they and the hospital remain far apart on terms for a new union contract and called for a mediator to continue negotiations.

The nurses have been issuing warnings over what they say are unsafe staffing levels at the hospital that put patients at risk.

"Albany Med, you need to listen to your nurses, we're telling you what you need to do to staff this hospital," said Kathryn Dupuis, a nurse at Albany Medical Center. "Instead, Albany Med administrators are fighting us at every turn. When the safety of our patients is at stake, we use our voice as a union nurse to make a difference."

Albany Medical Center officials responded Thursday by saying they made a final proposal on Wednesday, but the union rejected it.

They said they have made more than 20 proposals over 14 negotiating sessions. They said the hospital's staffing plans are compliant with state laws.

Nurses with the New York State Nurses Association announced plans for a picket at the hospital later this month.