Nurses at University Medical Center New Orleans, represented by the National Nurses Organizing Committee, an affiliate of National Nurses United, began a two-day strike July 15 — the hospital’s fourth in less than a year.
The union represents approximately 600 nurses at the hospital, according to the union.
Nurses say they are striking against what they describe as disciplinary retaliation against pro-union nurses. They specifically pointed to the termination of Mike Robertshaw, RN, and recent disciplinary action against another nurse.
“Singling out pro-union nurses shows that LCMC is using discipline to retaliate against us,” Dana Judkins, RN, said in a July 11 NNOC/NNU news release. “We’re striking to let them know we won’t tolerate retribution for advocating for ourselves and our patients.”
Mr. Robertshaw’s actions, which involved medication safety, would normally receive a low-level warning, if any action were to be taken at all, the union said, according to Verite News.
Mr. Robertshaw told the publication July 15 that the union “understand[s] that this is not about me, this is about all of us. We have been in an environment where nurses are now scared to do their jobs for fear of retaliation, and that makes patients less safe.”
University Medical Center disputed the union’s claim regarding Mr. Robertshaw’s termination.
“The union has claimed that UMC has discriminated and retaliated against a nurse,” the union said in a statement shared with Becker’s. “That is simply not true. The actions of the nurse were not only an LCMC Health policy violation, but also a reportable offense to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and a serious breach of safe nursing practice. Additionally, the nurse had completed medication safety training shortly before the incident.”
University Medical Center, part of LCMC Health, employs 2,779 people and has been in negotiations with the union since March 2024. UMC nurses went on strike in October and again in February and May.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.