Unionized nurses in Dubuque are making the rounds — on the picket line. The Finley Hospital Nurses with the Service Employees International Union local 199 started a three-day strike today.
Local union leader Linda Merfield says they are asking for fair treatment. “I think it’s unfortunate that Finley Hospital has made the choice to let the nurses go on strike rather than sit down at the table and talk about these non-economic issues that are unresolved.”
Specifically, she is talking about overtime work, just cause and the hospitals grievance procedure. This is the second strike of the summer. The first strike in early July focused on increased pay wages, quality patient care and the firing of 30-year nurse Alice Weick.
Hospital administrators have brought in nurses from the U.S. Nursing Corp for a five day contract. No more negotiations between administrators and nurses are scheduled.