All-Staff Update on NNU Contract Negotiations

We wanted to provide an update on progress made during the past two months of contract negotiations with National Nurses United, the labor union representing about 2,900 University of Chicago Medical Center nurses.

Negotiating teams have had eight face-to-face sessions since the collective bargaining process began Sept. 14, and NNU’s current contract is set to expire Nov. 25. There are three more sessions scheduled after Thanksgiving and into early December. We anticipate more dates being scheduled soon.

Bargaining teams have presented dozens of proposals and reached tentative agreements on seven non-economic areas. There’s also been important conversations on key topics such as workplace violence and safety, nurse education, staffing, preceptor work, and scheduling.

Both sides have been working collaboratively and respectfully for a fair and equitable contract that meets the needs of nurses, our growing institution, and the community and our patients who rely on us for care. While there’s certainly more work to come, we’re gratified to see the thoughtfulness, candor, and progress that’s been displayed throughout these sessions.

Crafting a contract is a long process that inevitably involves give and take. This is complex work that will continue after the contract expires.

Like we have throughout this whole process, UCMC remains committed to transparency, collaboration, and good-faith dialogue. If you’d like to learn more about bargaining, watch this video from Chief Nursing Officer Emily Chase or visit our dedicated bargaining site — www.ucmcnurses.org — which will be updated regularly.

We are optimistic the past two months of positive momentum will continue and we’ll reach a fair and equitable agreement that allows us to continue to attract exceptional nurses who meaningfully contribute to our institution and its reputation for excellence.

Sincerely,

Emily Chase, PhD, RN, NE-BC
Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer

Krista Curell, JD, RN
Executive Vice President and Health System Chief Operating Officer