Olympia Fields RNs Join Union for Better Patient Care and Working Conditions

Olympia Fields Nurses Secure Union Victory for Enhanced Patient Care

Registered nurses at Olympia Fields Hospital in Olympia Fields, Illinois, have decisively voted to join the National Nurses Organizing Committee (NNOC), affiliated with National Nurses United (NNU), garnering 82 percent support. This move positions them within the nation's largest and most rapidly expanding registered nurse union.

"We are so proud to win our union election. We fought hard for this victory because we want to give our patients the best care," stated Darlene Estrada-Smith, RN, from the outpatient surgery unit. "Nurses wanted to join National Nurses Organizing Committee because we know that organizing and forming a union is how we can best advocate for our patients. We look forward to building a strong contract that protects nurses and patients."

The drive for unionization was underscored by a recent strike by Olympia Fields nurses, who protested against what they described as retaliatory actions by Prime Healthcare, the hospital's owner, against nurses advocating for their patients. Despite these challenges, the nurses demonstrated unity, culminating in their recent victory. They stress the importance of having a voice in decisions impacting patient care, working conditions, and the recruitment and retention of experienced staff.

Following their successful vote, the nurses will push for the reinstatement of colleagues they allege were unlawfully disciplined and will commence negotiations on their inaugural union contract with Prime Healthcare. The election win empowers nurses to select their bargaining team to initiate discussions for a collective bargaining agreement.

Nationwide, nurses are mobilizing against Prime Healthcare, alleging that the company prioritizes profit over patient and nurse safety. This sentiment was evident on September 3, when nurses from four Prime hospitals across three states staged one-day strikes to protest what they see as the company's neglect of patient care and safe staffing concerns. Olympia Fields nurses, along with others, also announced plans to strike on September 15 in response to alleged administrative retaliation.

Timeline of Key Events

Aug. 24 - Registered nurses at Olympia Fields Hospital and Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, Maine, filed union election petitions, emphasizing the necessity of unionization to address patient care and staffing issues.

Sept. 3 - Protests by nurses at four Prime hospitals in three states, including a one-day strike by Olympia Fields nurses, highlighted ongoing grievances about patient care and staffing levels (source).

Sept. 15 - A one-day strike by Olympia Fields nurses, supported by informational pickets at other Prime hospitals, underscored solidarity among healthcare workers (source).

Sept. 23 - Olympia Fields nurses voted to join the NNOC.

Sept. 24 - Central Maine Medical Center nurses were scheduled to vote on joining the NNOC.

The NNOC/NNU now represents about 400 nurses at Olympia Fields Hospital. This addition integrates them into a larger network that includes over 3,000 Prime system healthcare workers, with more than 1,800 currently engaged in active contract negotiations.

National Nurses United stands as the largest and fastest-growing union for registered nurses in the United States, boasting more than 225,000 members nationwide. Its affiliates include several state and regional nurses associations.

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