Illinois Nurses Union Files Complaint Over Unpaid COVID Incentives
Summary
A nurses' union in Illinois filed a legal complaint against a hospital and its past and current owners for not paying promised COVID-19 bonuses. The union claims the bonuses were promised to retain nurses during the pandemic but were not given to union members, although non-union staff received them. The union seeks to enforce a collective bargaining agreement that requires adequate staffing and proper compensation during health emergencies.Key Facts
- The Illinois Nursing Association filed the complaint in the Northern Illinois District Court.
- The complaint involves St. Joseph Medical Center – Joliet, its former owner Ascension, and current owner Prime Healthcare.
- The union claims a promised one-time bonus was not paid to its members during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The bonuses were meant to address nurse shortages and increased patient numbers.
- Ascension's CEO promised a bonus in a 2021 email to nursing staff.
- Non-union staff received the incentive, but union members did not.
- The union's collective bargaining agreement includes provisions for maintaining staffing through emergency pay adjustments.
- The union alleges the hospital's refusal to pay violates this agreement.
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