About 1,000 Meriter nurses now on strike, hospital operating with traveling nurses

MADISON, Wis (CIVIC MEDIA) – Meriter nurses are on strike. 

About 1,000 nurses are refusing to work starting Tuesday morning, May 27, after months of negotiation between the hospital and the union. It’s the first time Meriter nurses have gone on strike. 

Leaders from Service Employees International Union Wisconsin, which represents the nurses, said they’re not satisfied with Meriter’s offers regarding staffing, pay and safety. Meanwhile, Meriter leaders said they’ve made changes throughout the negotiation process, and they’ve negotiated in good faith. 

Dane County Executive Melissa Agard was at the picket line Tuesday morning as the demonstration kicked off. 

“We know that this was a long game, and unfortunately we are continuing to stand up and fight for what is right,” Agard said. “[You are] the moral fiber of our society. Those who care for the most vulnerable folks, our friends and neighbors and family members, you are on the front lines of that. And we are continuing to stand up and do what is right for our community.”

President of SEIU Wisconsin and Meriter nurse Pam Raes said their concerns have been a long time coming, and they didn’t want to strike, but felt it was necessary. 

“We want to be very very clear about something: nurses have been sounding the alarm about staffing concerns, inadequate workplace safety, and burnout for months,” Raes said. “But management has refused to act, or even hear us. And we do not take this action lightly.” 

Meriter is now operating with visiting nurses. Hospital spokesperson Nicole Aimone said the traveling staff were onboarded over the long weekend. 

“We have had a successful morning,” Aimone said. “Our visiting nurses arrived at the hospital safely early this morning and have transitioned smoothly into patient care with the cooperation of our nursing team members and the nursing management team. The entire team at Meriter has stepped up to prepare for this moment and their hard work and attention to detail is evident.” 

The strike is set to last at least through June 1. Nurses and supporters are on the picket line outside the hospital for 12 hours a day. 

The next bargaining date is set for Thursday, May 29.