MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) -Nurses at UnityPoint Health-Meriter Hospital announced Saturday they have notified hospital management that they may go on strike starting Wednesday, March 24 as they continue to advocate for a new contract agreement.
Shortly after the announcement, hospital officials called the move “unprecedented” and assured the public that they already have a plan in place to bring in “quality and experienced” nurses should if a strike did occur.
According to a release from the nurses’ union, SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin, the strike would support their proposals for policies that better support nurses to heal and recover after working the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We cared for the sickest of the sick, always putting our patients first. We’re proud of the way that nurses and healthcare workers showed up for our community. But after a grueling year, nurses are exhausted and burning out,” Louise Nordstrom, a nurse, said.
The contract proposal includes a request for a “meaningful voice” in decision making, work-life balance and paid time off. Additionally, nurses are requesting protections against the current pandemic and any future public health emergencies.
“Nurses always strive to be the best advocates for our patients. To do that, we have to stand up for ourselves too,” Nordstrom added.
Meriter released a statement Saturday saying while there are improvements to be made, they have heard from nurses and other team members within the organization that they have felt safe and supported.
Acknowledging their nurses’ sacrifices during the coronavirus pandemic, Meriter detailed some of the steps it took to help them get through the past year, identifying steps including its efforts to obtain PPE and test all patients as well as providing incentive pay and compassion grants.
Hospital officials also released some of the items in its proposal, saying it wanted to “correct rumors.” The list details proposed raises, leave, and potential bonuses.
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“We are hopeful SEIU will return to the bargaining table, and we can continue negotiations toward a new contract,” Meriter said. “We are hopeful SEIU will return to the bargaining table, and we can continue negotiations toward a new contract.”
In a news conference on Tuesday, representatives said nearly 99 percent of the nurses within their union is backing them on this decision, if management and the nurses don’t reach a contract agreement.
According to SEIU, it represents more than 800 registered nurses at Meriter.
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