UMC Nurses in New Orleans Plan Second Strike for Contract Progress

Nurses at University Medical Center to Strike Again Over Contract Dispute

Nurses at the University Medical Center (UMC) in New Orleans, Louisiana, are preparing for a two-day strike scheduled on February 5 and 6. This action marks their second strike as they continue to push for progress in securing a first union contract with LCMC Health. The nurses are represented by the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU), the largest nurses union in the United States.

The announcement of the strike was made on January 24, following a vote held on January 22 and 23 to authorize the strike. Nurses expressed disappointment over the management's decision to lock them out for three days post-strike, preventing them from working during the Super Bowl weekend. A sign-making party is also planned for February 4, the night preceding the strike.

Strike Details

Location: University Medical Center, 2000 Canal St., New Orleans, La.; at the corner of Canal and Galvez St.

Timeframe: Starts Wednesday, February 5, at 7 a.m. and concludes Friday, February 7, at 7 a.m.

Sign-Making Event

Location: First Grace United Methodist Church, 3401 Canal St., New Orleans, La.

Time: Tuesday, February 4, from 6 to 8 p.m.

"We're looking forward to seeing our co-workers and our community out on the strike line," stated Shonda Franklin, a registered nurse in the float pool. "We don't take this decision lightly. But so many of us are tired of seeing our fellow nurses leave UMC because management can't ensure basic things like uninterrupted lunch breaks on our 12-hour shifts. It's time for a change, and a strong contract is how we get that done."

Kisha Montes, a registered nurse in the behavioral health unit, added, “We would rather be inside taking care of our patients than out on strike. But management’s antics have left us feeling like we have no choice. We have to show them how committed we are to the fight for a fair contract. The last month has only demonstrated how urgent this is for us and our patients.”

The nurses at UMC, who overwhelmingly voted to join NNOC/NNU in December 2023, have been negotiating their first contract since March 2024. They urge the management to collaborate in reaching an agreement that addresses their concerns and enhances UMC as a healthcare institution for New Orleans residents.

NNOC/NNU currently represents around 600 nurses at University Medical Center.


National Nurses United, the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the United States, boasts nearly 225,000 members nationwide. Its affiliates include the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, DC Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, and New York State Nurses Association.

---
Read More USA Works News