Update on potential work stoppage

Dear UI Health—

Last week, the Illinois Nurses Association (INA) initiated a vote to authorize a strike. On Monday, Oct. 28, the UI Health Negotiation Team received notice that the INA has enough votes to authorize a strike. However, the INA has not provided us with a 10-day notice of its intent to engage in a second strike, which the union previously indicated would be required before another work stoppage could occur.

Since the August INA strike, UI Health and the INA have remained engaged in collective bargaining for a successor contract for the INA RN collective bargaining agreement. To date, we have had more than 40 negotiation sessions; despite progress in the discussions, INA leadership decided to call for another strike vote. We continue contract negotiations, with six additional sessions scheduled, and are committed to continuing our work to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

UI Health values the critical role our nurses and other healthcare professionals play in fulfilling our mission and providing our patients with exceptional care, outcomes, and experiences.

We have a proud history of leading in the healthcare sector with robust collective bargaining agreements that include total compensation packages that demonstrate our respect and appreciation for the critical roles of our nurses and other healthcare workers.

We value and respect all essential healthcare workers and the vital roles they play in providing care for our communities. While we hope a strike will not occur, we will take all necessary steps to prepare for a potential work stoppage and ensure our patients’ continued care and safety.

We will continue to keep you informed. Up-to-date information about the status of negotiations is available on the intranet.

Sincerely,

Hospital & Clinics Leadership