MADISON (WKOW) — As nearly 1,000 bedside nurses from UnityPoint Health — Meriter began their strike Tuesday morning, the hospital released a statement saying they were prepared for the moment.
"Our thoughtful preparations have paid off, and we have had a successful morning, said Meriter spokesperson Nicole Aimone. "Our visiting nurses were onboarded over the holiday weekend and arrived at the hospital safely early this morning."
The nurses represented by SEIU Wisconsin issued a formal 10-day strike notice to the hospital on May 9.
At 6:30 a.m. Tuesday the nurses began their planned strike.
SEIU and Meriter have met more than 20 times since January to try and reach an agreement, leading up to Tuesday. Picket lines will run through May 31 from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. each day.
Key issues at the heart of the negotiations include workplace safety, pay increases and staffing.
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