According to a statement on Wednesday from UnityPoint Health-Meriter, SEIU Wisconsin, the union representing nearly 1,000 nurses, on Tuesday notified Meriter that it was no longer available to meet on May 26 and offered May 29 as its first available date to resume negotiations. The news comes after the union previously notified the hospital of the nurses’ intention to go on strike.
Shana Wuebben, vice president of human resources for UnityPoint Health–Meriter, said, “Meriter came to the bargaining table in good faith to avoid a strike. We are deeply disappointed by SEIU’s decision not to return to the bargaining table ahead of the planned strike.
“Allowing the strike to proceed without exhausting every opportunity to reach agreement is not in the best interests of anyone — not the union, our team members, or the community we both serve.”
She added, “Meriter is listening. We have made great strides in our proposals and tentative agreements to date. And we are ready to continue bargaining.
“While not our first option, we are certainly well prepared for the strike. The hospital and clinics will remain open to take care of patients as usual with the support of a specialized nursing team and our existing staff members.”
