chicago – After a four-day strike, UI Health nurses and administration reached a tentative agreement late Saturday night.
The agreement, which is subject to ratification by union members, includes improvements to hospital safety protocols, significant wage increases, and increased nurses' input into hiring decisions, according to the nurses union.
The contract also includes a joint agreement to request increased parental leave for all UI Health employees.
“Our members were deeply involved in these negotiations, from crafting the language to crafting the agreement
“I watch our updated calls week after week,” said veteran nurse Liz Flores. “They knew what this was
“Our patient staff and community deserved it and were willing to fight for it.”
Illinois nurses strike at UI Hospital, over 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 walk around the facility.
The 1,700 UI Health nurses who participated in the strike will vote on the tentative agreement Tuesday. The nurses ended the strike and returned to work Sunday morning.
UI Health's bargaining team was “happy” with the deal and believes it will result in a better, safer hospital, according to the Illinois Nurses Association.
