JOLIET, IL – Nurses at Ascension Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Joliet have declared their intention to strike on August 22nd.
The Illinois Nurses Association announced the date Saturday, fueled by concerns over unfair labor practices and months of failed negotiations, the nurses, backed by an overwhelming 87% vote, approved the strike. Nurses hope to take a stand to address critical issues, including drastic staffing shortages and the erosion of union support.
Since 2018, near 350 nurses have left the location since Ascension’s acquisition of the hospital, highlighting the detrimental impact on patient care and labor agreements. Nurses allege that the company’s reliance on nonunion staff severely undermines the dedicated work of qualified, unionized professionals.
“For months we have tried to convince Ascension to spend its money on retaining its own staff.” SJNA board member Jeanine Johnson said. “They have the resources to invest in Joliet’s only hospital; but are instead relying on costly short-term nurses who must be constantly re-trained on our systems and patients.”
With August 22nd as the chosen date, tensions are mounting as the nurses prepare to make their voices heard. Beyond Ascension Saint Joseph’s, this strike holds the potential to influence labor dynamics in a broader context. Stay informed for more updates on this pivotal moment in labor relations.
