UMC nurses plan second strike over stalled contract negotiations
UMC Nurses Plan Second Strike Over Contract Negotiations
Nurses at University Medical Center (UMC) in New Orleans, Louisiana, have scheduled a two-day strike on February 5-6 as negotiations for their first union contract with LCMC Health continue to face deadlock. Represented by the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU), the largest nurses' union in the United States, these healthcare professionals are advocating for improved working conditions and patient care.
The decision to strike was authorized through a vote held on January 22-23. In preparation for the strike, a sign-making event is scheduled for February 4 at First Grace United Methodist Church, as described in a recent announcement.
Nurses have expressed frustration over management's alleged stalling tactics that they claim have halted progress on contract negotiations. Concerns over preparedness and staffing levels were underscored during a recent mass casualty event in New Orleans, highlighting key issues they wish to address in their contract.
Strike Details
Location: University Medical Center, 2000 Canal St., New Orleans, La.
Dates: From 7 a.m. on Wednesday, February 5, to 7 a.m. on Friday, February 7.
Sign-Making Event
Location: First Grace United Methodist Church, 3401 Canal St., New Orleans, La.
Date & Time: Tuesday, February 4, 6-8 p.m.
Lauren Waddell, a nurse practitioner in neurosurgery, stated, “Nurses at UMC unionized because we knew that change would only happen if we made it happen. Since we began first contract negotiations in March, nurses have been united on proposals that we know would improve staff and patient conditions. Management has rejected these proposals and continues to minimize the severity of our concerns. Enough is enough.”
Heidi Tujague, an emergency department RN, emphasized, “We know the best way to improve care at our hospital is when nurses have a strong unified voice at the bargaining table. We are all frustrated with management’s behavior and their clear intent to bust our union because we want to change how health care is delivered in New Orleans. We know that, by winning this contract, the care our community deserves will drastically improve, and it will empower us to recruit and retain the kind of passionate, experienced nurses our patients at UMC deserve.”
The nurses have formally notified management of their strike plans. UMC nurses joined NNOC/NNU in December 2023 and began their contract negotiations in March 2024. They previously staged a strike in October 2024, marking a historical moment for New Orleans and Louisiana. Approximately 600 nurses at UMC are part of NNOC/NNU.
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