Ascension Saint Joseph - Joliet Strike Contingency Plan Update

Illinois Nurses Association (INA) has issued Ascension Saint Joseph - Joliet a notice of intent to strike indicating the registered nurses it represents will conduct a two-day strike starting at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, and concluding at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 23, 2023.

We are disappointed that INA has made the decision to proceed with its second two-day strike in three months, especially since both bargaining teams have been engaging in good faith bargaining through the formal mediation process with a federal mediator.

Safe, high-quality patient care remains our top priority, and Ascension Saint Joseph - Joliet is well prepared to remain open and care for our patients during this short-term strike. Ascension Saint Joseph - Joliet is following national best practice for contingency planning that is compliant with The Joint Commission, OSHA, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. In order to fulfill our commitment to uninterrupted quality care for our patients, we have contracted with a staffing agency that specializes in work stoppage events and will provide us access to a full complement of highly skilled and credentialed registered nurses.

Regardless of the planned duration of the strike, we are contractually required to commit to a minimum of four days of work for any registered nursing staff replaced, starting from the first day of a strike. Ascension Saint Joseph - Joliet represented registered nurses will be temporarily replaced starting the first day of the strike on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, and will be able to return to their scheduled shifts beginning the morning of Saturday, November 25, 2023, as soon as our replacement agency contractual obligation is fulfilled.

Ascension Saint Joseph - Joliet would prefer not to have to utilize these extended contracted services, particularly given the current challenges the healthcare industry, including our ministry, is facing, but we must make every provision for ensuring the health and safety of our patients, families, providers and associates.

Ascension Saint Joseph - Joliet has been bargaining in good faith with INA to come to a mutually beneficial agreement on a contract that respects the human dignity and rights of all. Ascension Saint Joseph - Joliet is committed to not canceling any scheduled bargaining sessions and urges INA to work through the mediator at any time to pass proposals as we continue to focus on reaching agreement on a new contract for our registered nurses.