NEW ORLEANS — On Tuesday nurses at University Medical Center were joined by hundreds of union nurses from around the country for an informational picket, demanding the health system make progress on contract bargaining negotiations.
“New Orleans nurses will fight like hell for their patients and their community,” yelled an organizer over the loudspeaker.
Back in December, a portion of UMC’s nurses voted to become the first unionized private sector hospital in the state of Louisiana after voting to join National Nurses United. Tuesday the union said the system is delaying contract negotiations.
“UMC nurses, you deserve a strong first contract that guarantees protection for your patients and the nurses as well,” said National Nurses United President Nancy Hagans.
In response UMC sent the following statement:
"The union that represents nurses at UMC has decided to conduct another informational picket. We recognize these types of activities are common during negotiations and it will not impact our ability to care for our patients, families and community.
UMC needed to postpone contract negotiations scheduled for this week due to a Hurricane Francine-caused delay preventing UMC’s lead negotiator from participating. While our goal is always to accommodate all parties involved and respect everyone's time, it was necessary to reschedule. We proposed new dates for the meeting and are working with the union to reschedule.
At the informational picket, you may have noticed a significant number of unfamiliar faces and that’s because the union bused in other members from across the country as a show of support. In fact, they shared that during the press briefing.
UMC’s primary focus is providing exceptional care for our patients and community: we show up, we take care, and we choose excellence."
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