UMC Nurses Plan Third Strike as Contract Talks with LCMC Health Stall

Nurses at University Medical Center Prepare for Third Strike Amid Stalled Contract Talks

In New Orleans, Louisiana, registered nurses at University Medical Center (UMC) are gearing up for a third strike as negotiations for a first union contract with LCMC Health remain at a standstill. The nurses, represented by the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU), announced their intention to strike starting May 1, following a notice delivered to management on April 21.

Heidi Tujague, a registered nurse in the emergency department, expressed the nurses' determination, stating, “LCMC management has tried to stall our contract negotiations because they think they can wait us out. But we are in this for every patient who will benefit from knowing we will have a contract that will improve our hospital. We’re striking for our patients.”

Shonda Franklin, an RN in the UMC float pool, added, “It’s unfortunately no surprise that management has taken over a year on this. But we won’t quit. We’re the ones taking care of our patients every day. What we’re asking for is enough nurses to do our jobs and enough respect in our hospital to be heard.”

The nurses at UMC made history as the first private-sector hospital in Louisiana to unionize, voting to join NNOC/NNU in December 2023. They initiated contract negotiations in March 2024 and have since staged strikes in October 2024 and February 2025, underscoring their commitment and the widespread community support for their cause.

The National Nurses Organizing Committee, an affiliate of National Nurses United, represents over 600 registered nurses and nurse practitioners at UMC New Orleans. National Nurses United is recognized as the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the United States, with more than 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.

For more details on the nurses' unionization efforts and previous strikes, visit the National Nurses United website.

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