In attempt to reignite contract negotiations, University of Chicago Medicine nurses gave their approval to strike, according to a Chicago Tribune report.
Jan Rodolfo, Midwest director of National Nurses United, which represents 1,500 nurses at University of Chicago Medicine, told the Chicago Tribune that 95 percent of the nurses gave their approval for the bargaining team to issue a strike notice, if necessary. However, the medical center told the Chicago Tribune it is against a strike, adding, "We have a comprehensive plan in place to ensure our patient care operations continues smoothly if the NNU calls for (a strike). It is our hope that we will not need to initiate this plan."
The nurses have been working without a contract since their last one expired in October 2014.
Earlier this month, the hospital proposed eliminating incentive pay for nurses who work more than 24 straight hours, and wants nurses to contribute 25 percent to healthcare costs by July 1, 2016, according to the report.
However, issues such as staffing levels and overnight shifts have been the union's focus, the report reads.
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