Members of the Illinois Nurses Association (INA), representing registered nurses at UI Health, have voted to authorize a potential second strike. This decision follows ongoing negotiations between UI Health and INA for a successor contract to the current collective bargaining agreement.

Dr. Robert Barish, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, expressed disappointment in the INA's decision but affirmed UI Health's commitment to maintaining patient care during any potential work stoppage. The two parties have engaged in over 40 negotiation sessions, with six more scheduled.

Key issues in the negotiations include compensation and safety and security. According to Dr. Barish, "Our nurses deserve top compensation — and they receive it." He noted that most UI Health nurses are currently paid better than 90% of their Chicagoland peers. The university's proposal includes a 17.1% wage increase over four years, compared to an 11.8% increase in the 2020 contract. In contrast, INA has proposed a 29.7% increase over three years, which Dr. Barish stated is not sustainable.

Safety and security concerns are also being addressed by UI Health through investments in safety technologies and programs aimed at reducing workplace violence against healthcare staff. These efforts have reportedly led to significant decreases in hospital-reported employee injuries and incidents of workplace violence across various departments.

In preparation for a possible work stoppage, UI Health has taken steps to ensure continuity of care by securing agency nursing staff and obtaining a temporary restraining order (TRO). This TRO prevents certain critical care unit nurses from striking to protect patient health and safety while respecting nurses' rights to strike.

Dr. Barish emphasized the value of nurses at UI Health: "UI Health values the critical role our nurses and other healthcare professionals play in fulfilling our mission to provide vital care for our community."