Nurses at University of Illinois Hospital voted overwhelmingly Thursday in favor of authorizing a strike.
The vote passed 608 to 38, meaning the strike could go into effect on Oct. 21 when the contract extension expires.
The Illinois Nurse's Association says they're concerned the hospital intends to cut the number of experienced nurses providing direct patient care.
The nurses also oppose a proposal that would allow the hospital to change their schedules with 24 hours notice, and force nurses to work additional weekends if they call in sick for a weekend shift. University of Illinois Hospital CEO Avijit Ghosh issued a statement Friday saying the hospital is "committed to providing high quality clinical care to the residents of this state."
Ghosh says there have been 15 meetings with the INA -- including several involving a federal mediator -- and more meetings are scheduled in the coming weeks.
"We are disappointed that despite progress in the discussions the INA leadership has chosen to call a strike vote. We value the critical role nurses play in providing patient care and are committed to working to reach a mutually acceptable agreement," Ghosh said.
Gosh says UI nurses earn 27 percent over the Chicago market average salary, and that the INA is asking for a 19.7 percent wage increase over three years. He says the hospital will take steps to prepare for a potential work stoppage.
