Registered nurses will join with other members of the University of Chicago Labor Council, and South Side community members for a May Day march to protest the university’s unfair labor practices, and union busting efforts, announced National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU) today. 

“This May Day march is a celebration of the collective power of workers as we mark International Workers' Day,” said John Heironymus, a registered nurse at University of Chicago Medical Center and a NNOC/NNU member. “As nurses, we are dedicated to the health of our patients. We know the strength of our communities and the economic stability of our patients are critical determinants of health. It is for the health and well-being of our patients, that we are putting the University of Chicago on notice and demanding the university recognize the workers’ democratically elected unions, and approve fair contracts that provide safe staffing for our patients.”

What: May Day March, Rally and Action 

When: Wednesday, May 1 -- 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: March Start 59th Street and Ellis, Chicago. Rally at 12:30 outside Levi Hall – 5801 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago 

Speakers include: Alderman Jeanette Taylor, 20th Ward, John Hieronymus, RN, NNOC/NNU, Claudio Gonzales, Graduate Student Union   

The University of Chicago Labor Council, a coalition of labor groups and community organizations, will deliver letters to university officials, including President Zimmer, demanding the University of Chicago:

• recognize all democratically elected unions including, the Graduate Student Union and the Student Library Employees Union.
• prioritize patient safety by retaining and recruiting experienced registered nurses and fully staffing the University of Chicago Medical Center. 
• work with civic leaders to address sustainable development of the South Side to minimize displacement of community members 

“We have seen that the university is willing to put profits before students, before patients and before the community,” said Claudio Gonzales with the Graduate Students United. “But our work is critical to the success of this university, and we deserve a seat at the table. We will not stop organizing until we win.”       

The May Day event is co-sponsored by National Nurses United, Graduate Students United (AFT-IFT-AAUP), Service Employees International Union- Local 1, International Brotherhood of Teamsters- Local 743, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers- Local 134, Bakery Confectionery Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Union, Flood's Hall, Tenants United, Chicago Jobs with Justice, and Greater Chicago Industrial Workers of the World.