University Medical Center New Orleans nurses will hold a one-day strike to demand a fair contract and address workplace safety concerns on Oct. 25. The strike follows seven months of negotiations with Louisiana Children’s Medical Center Health.  

In 2023, Tulane University partnered with LCMC Health, shifting most of the services provided at Tulane Medical Center to UMC and East Jefferson General Hospital.  

The nurses’ union, which is part of the National Nurses Organizing Committee, reported three instances of lethal weapons brought onto hospital property and complained about the hospital’s response.  

UMC nurses proposed measures to reduce workplace violence and improve staffing through violence prevention programs and legal protections in a press release on Oct. 14.  

“We are striking because we see our patients being short-changed every day in our hospital by management’s decisions,” said endoscopy unit nurse Hailey Dupre in a press release. “We have repeatedly put forward proposals to address these patient safety concerns, but UMC’s berating and belittling behavior at the bargaining table shows their lack of commitment to reach an agreement that puts patients first.” 

The National Nurses Organizing Committee claimed that UMC has delayed contract negotiations since March.  

In a press release sent to Verite News on Oct. 14, UMC officials said the hospital will remain fully operational and unaffected by the Oct. 25 strike. 

“The decision by union leaders to strike is not surprising given recent events but is nonetheless a significant disappointment. We recognize the NNU’s action may cause unwarranted anxiety, confusion and stress among our community, patients, staff and their families. Please know, our commitment and ability to care for our patients and their families will be unaffected by the union’s actions,” John Nickens, president and chief executive officer of UMC, said.