Joliet, Illinois – Residents may have noticed increased activity at St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, as nurses commenced their strike on November 21 over ongoing contract disputes.
This action marks a significant step in their negotiations with Ascension Health systems, which now manages the hospital. The strike follows months of working without a contract since late July 2023 and comes amid a reduction in nursing staff from 850 to 500 in the past five years.
The hospital’s intensive care capacity has also been halved. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for December 8, with the nursing community standing firm in their demands.
