MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – UW Nurses United of SEIU Wisconsin says they will continue to fight for collective bargaining rights after the Wisconsin Supreme Court decided that UW Health nurses cannot legally do so.
The Supreme Court cited that Act 10, a state memo that limits collective bargaining rights, eliminates UW Health coverage under the Wisconsin Peace Act.
Colin Gillis, a nurse and member of UW Nurses United, says some of the things they would like to fight for with collective bargaining include safe staffing, fair compensation and advocacy for quality and safety improvements.
“I’m proud of the work that we do at UW Health,” explained Gillis. “I think that UW Health provides outstanding care right now, and I know that we need collective bargaining in order to ensure that that excellent standard of care continues.”
Gillis says he will continue to fight for change, whether it’s through more meet and discuss meetings through the union, or by advocating for changes to the current law.
He also says the ruling impacts workers across the state, not just nurses.
“I mean the ruling itself concerns all employees of the UW hospital and clinics authority, but really the rights of all workers in Wisconsin are connected,” said Gillis.
UW Health released a statement but declined any interviews on Friday, writing, “UW Health appreciates the court’s deliberate, diligent and final review.”
Gillis says he feels the union’sit’s relationship with administration has been productive and collaborative.
“I love my job, I love my coworkers, I have a great relationship with the administrative leaders that we collaborate with through meet and discuss,” explained Gillis.
In 2022, UW Nurses United threatened to strike, prompting Governor Tony Evers to help organize a compromise of an official union without the collective bargaining rights, after their previous contract expired in 2014.
“Strong unions are the most effective tool we have as healthcare workers to ensure that our patients and our communities aren’t forced to contend with ever-worsening standards of care. And that’s why I continue to fight.”
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