UMC nurses set for second strike say stalling their contract must stop

Nurses at University Medical Center (UMC) in New Orleans, La., are moving forward with the two-day strike on Feb. 5 and 6. The strike will be the second at UMC as nurses continue to demand progress on a first union contract with their employer, LCMC health. Nurses at UMC are represented by National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU), the nation’s largest nurses union.

Nurses announced the strike on Jan. 24, when they gave management customary advance notice, after authorizing by a vote on Jan. 22 and 23. They say they are gravely disappointed management has decided to lock them out for three days following the strike, meaning staff nurses will not be allowed to work their usual shifts at UMC during Super Bowl weekend. Nurses also plan to hold a sign-making party on Feb. 4, the night before the strike begins.

Two-day strike
Where: University Medical Center, 2000 Canal St., New Orleans, La.; at the corner of Canal and Galvez St.
When: Starting Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 7 a.m. and ending Friday, Feb. 7, at 7 a.m.

Pre-strike sign-making party
Where: First Grace United Methodist Church, 3401 Canal St., New Orleans, La.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6-8 p.m.

"We're looking forward to seeing our co-workers and our community out on the strike line," said Shonda Franklin, RN in the float pool. "We don't take this decision lightly. But so many of us are tired of seeing our fellow nurses leave UMC because management can't ensure basic things like uninterrupted lunch breaks on our 12-hour shifts. It's time for a change, and a strong contract is how we get that done."

“We would rather be inside taking care of our patients than out on strike,” said Kisha Montes, RN in the behavioral health unit at UMC. “But management’s antics have left us feeling like we have no choice. We have to show them how committed we are to the fight for a fair contract. The last month has only demonstrated how urgent this is for us and our patients.”

UMC nurses overwhelmingly voted to join NNOC/NNU in December 2023 and have been in negotiations for a first contract since March 2024. Nurses urge management to work together to agree to a contract that addresses their concerns and makes UMC the kind of hospital the people of New Orleans deserve.

NNOC/NNU represents nearly 600 nurses at UMC.

National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the United States with nearly 225,000 members nationwide. NNU affiliates include California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, DC Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, and New York State Nurses Association.