Update on potential work stoppage

Dear UI Health—

Today, we learned the Illinois Nurses Association (INA) filed a 10-day notice of intent to strike for an undetermined period beginning at 7 am on Wednesday, Nov. 13, for the nurses covered under the RN Collective Bargaining Agreement. While we are disappointed the INA arrived at this action, we remain committed to maintaining all critical operations of the Hospital & Clinics during a potential work stoppage.

We believe frequent bargaining is essential to achieving a mutually acceptable agreement and will offer to meet with the INA bargaining team daily until we reach an agreement. Negotiation sessions with the INA are confirmed for the following dates:

• Wednesday, Nov. 6
• Friday, Nov. 8
• Tuesday, Nov. 12
• Wednesday, Nov. 13
• Monday, Nov. 18
• Wednesday, Nov. 20

Patient care is our primary responsibility. Our focus is maintaining the highest level of safety and care for our patients while ensuring the efficiency of our facilities and operations as we anticipate a potential work stoppage. We have in place comprehensive plans to anticipate, respond to, and mitigate staffing disruptions that may occur over the coming weeks, including a process to secure nursing agency staff, ensuring that in the event of a strike our patients continue to receive the outstanding care they need.

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

Sincerely,

Hospital & Clinics Leadership