Chicago nurses are issuing notice for one-day strike over retaliation against nurses advocating for improved patient care. This action comes in light of Prime Saint Mary’s is actively disciplining nurses who advocate for patients and support organizing.
Nurses at Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital in Chicago have issued a 10-day notice of a one-day strike set for June 11, citing alleged retaliation against staff who have spoken out about unsafe working conditions, according to National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU).
The notice follows what organizers described as overwhelming support from nurses prepared to walk off the job.
The nurses are seeking to unionize with NNOC/NNU and accuse hospital management, operated by Prime Healthcare, of targeting experienced nurses involved in organizing efforts. A rally is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on the day of the strike.
“Singling out pro-union nurses shows that Prime is using discipline to retaliate against us and silence us,” said Maria Russ, a behavioral health registered nurse. “We are striking because experienced nurses who advocate for patients have been targeted and pushed out.”
The strike will begin at 6:45 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, and end at 6:45 a.m. Friday, June 12. Nurses plan to gather at Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital, 2233 W. Division St., at the corner of Division Street and Oakley Boulevard.
“Patient care is our top concern,” said Brenda Hernandez, an ICU nurse. “Terminating experienced nurses has left the hospital short-staffed. Nurses need a seat at the table to advocate for our patients.”
Nurses filed for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board on May 20 and held a rally on May 27 protesting what they describe as retaliatory union-busting by management.
For more information contact Shane Trimble, 747-272-4264
