More than 1,700 UI Health Nurses to Go on Strike Indefinitely
Union and Health Group at Impasse Over Contract Negotiations
More than 1,700 nurses at University of Illinois Health will go on strike indefinitely beginning November 19, according to the Illinois Nurses Association. The union representing the nurses said despite numerous attempts at a compromise, they have not been able to reach an agreement with the health group. The nurses have continued to work since their contract expired on August 18.
Key Demands of the Union
Among the group’s demands are higher wages to meet rising costs of living, lower staff-to-patient ratios, and an increase in paid parental leave from the current six weeks. They also want to keep specialists working in their areas of expertise rather than across hospital departments and to secure language to protect their contract in case any clinics or hospitals are sold.
Concerns about Staff Safety and Security
“These are serious issues,” said David Martucci, a staff nurse and grievance co-chair for the nurses association. “We just want to see substantive movement. We’ve tried to find common ground, and we’ve been meeting them more than halfway in some of these issues. But we’re still not making any progress.”
Martucci said the hospital has repeatedly rejected requests for guarantees of a more consistent security presence and support for nurses who have experienced violence on the job.
Previous Strike Attempt Unsuccessful
In August, nurses went on a seven-day strike but were unsuccessful at reaching an agreement for a new contract. Now nurses are prepared to go on strike and have not given hospitals a return date.
UI Health’s Response
UI Health said it’s “disappointed” in the decision to strike but will continue to meet with the nurses association’s bargaining team until they can “reach an agreement.”
Patient care is our primary responsibility,” UI Health said in a statement. “Our focus is maintaining the highest level of safety and care for our patients while ensuring the efficiency of our facilities and operations as we anticipate a potential work stoppage.”
We have in place comprehensive plans to anticipate, respond to, and mitigate staffing disruptions that may occur over the coming weeks, including a process to secure nursing agency staff, ensuring that in the event of a strike our patients continue to receive the outstanding care they need.”
Next Steps
Three negotiation sessions are scheduled before November 13.
Conclusion
The strike by more than 1,700 UI Health nurses is a significant event that has implications for patient care and the future of the healthcare industry. The union and UI Health have been unable to reach an agreement, and it remains to be seen how this dispute will be resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are the nurses going on strike?
A: The nurses are going on strike due to a lack of agreement on a new contract, which includes issues such as higher wages, lower staff-to-patient ratios, and improved working conditions.
Q: How many nurses are involved in the strike?
A: More than 1,700 UI Health nurses will be participating in the strike.
Q: What are the key demands of the union?
A: The key demands include higher wages, lower staff-to-patient ratios, increased paid parental leave, and guarantees to keep specialists working in their areas of expertise.
Q: How will patient care be affected by the strike?
A: UI Health has in place comprehensive plans to anticipate, respond to, and mitigate staffing disruptions that may occur over the coming weeks, including a process to secure nursing agency staff, ensuring that in the event of a strike patients continue to receive the outstanding care they need.
