Four things to know:
1. The union represents nearly 600 nurses at University Medical Center, according to NNOC/NNU. UMC is part of LCMC Health, which employs a total of 2,779 people.
2. Union members voted to authorize the strike Oct. 12-13. The union and hospital have been negotiating a new labor contract since March.
3. In an Oct. 23 news release, union officials said that they are moving forward with the strike “to protest unaddressed patient safety concerns in ongoing contract negotiations.” They are seeking a contract that they say “improves safety for patients, nurses, and all hospital staff and codifies safe staffing.”
4. John Nickens, president and CEO of UMC, said in a statement shared with Becker’s that the hospital remains committed to reaching a contract “that allows UMC to attract and retain outstanding nurses and continue to deliver exceptional care to our patients and community.” He also emphasized that a comprehensive plan is in place to ensure continued hospital operations during the strike.
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