Update: Session 16

Negotiations resumed on a successor contract for the INA RN collective bargaining agreement. The parties attempted to meet in person, but due to extenuating circumstances the parties met virtually with the mediator present.

The joint session began with the INA asking UIC’s lead negotiator to review a proposal that was presented in a prior session related to health and safety after which a conversation took place related to the proposed language. UIC’s lead negotiator presented four counters to INA’s proposals related to clinical nursing consultants II, performance appraisals, holidays, special leave, grievance procedure, bargaining unit negotiations team, and the nursing care committee. The parties then returned to their caucus.

Upon return to the bargaining table, INA’s bargaining team asked UIC’s lead negotiator to further explain the counter proposal to floating tracks. Tiesa Hughes-Dillard, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), attended negotiations to hear from staff and spoke to INA’s bargaining team and members questions related to this proposal to clarify Nursing’s vision for improving floating tracks and elevating nursing skills so that nurses can perform safely at the top of their license. The CNO was only scheduled to attend for an hour, when she left the INA proceeded to present their proposals related to remote work, discipline procedure, abuse of sick time definition, and maintaining budgeted positions. UIC presented their last counter for the day related to flexible schedule program.