University of Chicago Nurses Ratify Contract; Overwhelmingly Positive Response Results in 4:1 Vote

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/04-19-2007/0004569762&EDATE=

University of Chicago Nurses Ratify Contract

Overwhelmingly Positive Response Results in 4:1 Vote Ratio

CHICAGO, April 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- University of Chicago
Medical Center nurses celebrated the ratification of the new contract last
night after it passed with an overwhelming 4:1 vote ratio.

"We won for our nurses, we won for our patients and we won for
ourselves," said Dotty Russell, Local Unit Chair. "This victory
demonstrates the solidarity of the nurses at UCH."

The contract includes provisions for a staffing plan utilizing nursing
judgment. The creation of the joint acuity task force will result in a
safer environment for both nurses and patients at UCH by determining
staffing needs by the actual level of care each patient requires. Without
consideration of the patient, other staffing systems will not work.

"We understand the importance of our ability to provide the level of
care needed by the patient and considering the skill mix of the nurses on a
particular shift. We cannot just assign a random number; patients are
sicker than ever when they come to the hospital and this task force will
allow the registered nurses to provide the level of care each patient
needs," said Marianne Curia, Membership Chair of the Local Bargaining Unit
and Contract Negotiating Team member.

UCH nurses pressed issues concerning staffing and pay increases.
Overall nurses will receive a 13% increase over the span of the 2.5 year
contract.

FULL story at link.

[Mr. Earl]

1. Democracy

in action...