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In an election held last week, some 150 nurses at Loretto Hospital on Chicago’s West Side voted to form a union with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31.
Loretto nurses said they defied hospital management’s aggressive anti-union campaign to vote for union representation by a margin of more than 2 to 1.
“Our vote indicates that nurses want to speak with a united voice and be heard,” said Ann Monte, a 20-year Loretto nurse. “When nurses are united, anything is possible. Together, we will work to advocate for our patients and ourselves.”
“We want to work together to improve quality, patient-centered care so Loretto can become a more respected community hospital,” Evangeline Jackson, RN case manager, said.
“The nurses at Loretto Hospital have demonstrated unwavering determination to improve patient care and ensure fair treatment on the job,” Council 31 Executive Director Henry Bayer said. “With our union they will have the strong voice they deserve, and we are gratified to welcome them to the AFSCME family.”
AustinTalks sought comment from Loretto Hospital but didn’t receive a call back.