Joliet nurse strike: Nurses at Ascension Saint Joseph Hospital going on strike for 3rd time since last August

JOLIET, Ill. (WLS) — Hundreds of nurses at Ascension St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet will be hitting the picket line Thursday.

This comes after Ascension Healthcare faced a wave of strikes last year across the country. Nurses were on strike twice in Joliet.

All were protesting the employer’s alleged chronic understaffing, below market wages, and regular violations of federal labor law, they said.

While it’s disappointing, Ascension said they do plan on staying open.

Like they did with previous strikes, the company is contractually required to commit to four days of work for any nursing staff replaced. The union nurses will then be allowed to return to work next week.

The two-day strike begins Thursday, with 500 nurses from the hospital continuing their strike tomorrow.

More than 500 nurses at Ascension Saint Joseph in Joliet went on strike Tuesday alleging unfair labor practices.

This strike will last just two days and comes amid ongoing contract negotiations.

Ascension Saint Joseph says it’s prepared to stay open during the strike.

Administrators also called the strike “unfortunate,” saying they’re disappointed nurses have chosen to strike since negotiations are ongoing.

Ascension Health released a statement saying, “Although we implemented our last, best and final offer on our RN contract on January 21, 2024, our bargaining team agreed to meet with Illinois Nurses Association (INA) on February 5, 2024, per INA’s request.

“Discussions proceeded throughout much of the day. Unfortunately, INA’s wage proposal continues to not be aligned with Joliet market rates, and we remain far apart in this space.

“Our best and final offer is a mutually beneficial solution that provides our nurses a fair and equitable contract, and ensures our community continues to receive access to the quality care they expect from Saint Joseph – Joliet. We know that our nurses and their union representatives share the same goal with all of us at Saint Joseph – Joliet-providing safe, quality healthcare to those we are privileged to serve.

“We understand the concern and questions that complex contract negotiations can create for our community and all involved. We urge INA to share a wage proposal with our third-party mediator that appropriately reflects our market.

“In the meantime, Ascension Saint Joseph – Joliet is fully prepared to remain open and care for our patients during the short-term INA strike.”