Media Statement: Temporary Restraining Order Entered for INA Strike

The University of Illinois Hospital & Clinics recently filed a verified complaint seeking a court order to enjoin certain critical care nurses represented by the Illinois Nurses Association (INA) from striking in the event of an INA strike.

On Friday, a Cook County judge granted our request to enter a Temporary Restraining Order against the INA preventing select critical care nurses it represents from striking. The INA has indicated that registered nurses may strike for seven days, and licensed practical nurses may strike for five days starting Monday, Aug. 19.

If a strike occurs, this injunction applies only to a small number of nursing positions that were narrowly identified because a stoppage would create a clear and present danger to the health and safety of the public, based on their placement in 14 critical care units, like the neonatal intensive care unit, medical and surgical intensive care units, transplant, labor and delivery, and psychiatry units.

This action is similar to temporary restraining orders granted by the courts in 2014, 2017 and 2020 when INA announced its intent to strike.

The University of Illinois Hospital & Clinics, the only state hospital in Illinois, is committed to providing high-quality clinical care to Illinois residents. Should a work stoppage occur, we are prepared to continue safe patient care and ongoing operations.

UI Health has been engaged in extensive bargaining with INA to avoid a strike and is prepared to continue bargaining for as long as it takes to reach a successful agreement. Both parties have met more than 17 times since June 18, and additional sessions are proposed but not yet scheduled.

We value and respect the critical role our nurses and other healthcare professionals play in fulfilling the system’s mission to provide vital care for our community.