UI Health Nurses Reach Tentative Agreement to End Strike
After Four-Day Strike, Nurses and Management Come to Terms
CHICAGO – After a four-day strike, UI Health nurses and management reached a tentative agreement late Saturday night.
Tentative Agreement Includes Key Provisions
The agreement, which is subject to ratification by union members, includes improvements to hospital safety protocols, significant wage increases, and increased nurse input in staffing decisions, according to the nurses union.
The contract also features a joint agreement to request increased parental leave for all UI Health workers.
Union Members Eager to Ratify Agreement
“Our members have been deeply involved in these negotiations, from the drafting of language to watching our update calls week after week,” veteran nurse Liz Flores said. “They knew what this staff and its patient community deserves and they were ready to fight for it.”
Background on the Strike
Illinois Nurses Strike at UI Hospital, Citing Safety and Pay Concerns
Nurses with the Illinois Nurses Association began their strike at the University of Illinois Hospital early Wednesday morning, gathering in large numbers to march around the facility.
The 1,700 UI Health nurses who participated in the strike will vote on the tentative agreement on Tuesday. The nurses called off the strike and returned to work Sunday morning.
UI Health Bargaining Team Thrilled with Agreement
The UI Health bargaining team were “thrilled” with the deal and believe that it will lead to a better staffed and safer hospital, according to the Illinois Nurses Association.
Conclusion
The tentative agreement between UI Health nurses and management marks a significant step towards resolving the strike and improving working conditions for nurses at the hospital. The agreement’s provisions, including increased wage increases and improved staffing decisions, are expected to benefit both nurses and patients.
FAQs
* When will the 1,700 UI Health nurses vote on the tentative agreement?
+ Tuesday
* When did the nurses call off the strike and return to work?
+ Sunday morning
* What are the key provisions of the tentative agreement?
+ Improvements to hospital safety protocols, significant wage increases, increased nurse input in staffing decisions, and increased parental leave for all UI Health workers
