Licensed practical nurses at Chicago-based University of Illinois Hospital and Clinics suspended their strike Nov. 19 and are back at work, according to a Chicago Tribune report.
The 35 nurses, who are represented by the Illinois Nurses Association, walked off the job Nov. 15 amid contract negotiations. They told the Tribune they seek job protections and fair pay.
Ramona Morales, a licensed practical nurse and a union steward, said nurses suspended the walkout once Mike Zenn, CEO of University of Illinois Hospital and Clinics, agreed to participate in contract negotiations, according to the Tribune.
"We felt it was important for him to know what is going on with a segment of his employees and how strongly we felt that we want to have a fair contract that protects our rights, that offers us fair wages and does not disregard our seniority," she told the Tribune.
Mr. Zenn said the system is pleased nurses suspended the strike.
"We value the critical role LPNs play in providing patient care and we are committed to reaching a mutually acceptable agreement," he told Becker’s. "We are hopeful an agreement can be reached in the near future."
The health system and nurses have been in negotiations for about a year. Ms. Morales told the Tribune both sides are expected to return to the bargaining table after Thanksgiving.
More articles on human capital and risk:
Pennsylvania hospital nurses asked to cancel one-day strike
4,000 Kaiser mental health clinicians say they're prepared to walk off job
University of Illinois-Chicago nurses suspend strike after CEO agrees to participate in talks