Nurses gather at Wisconsin State Capitol ahead of possible strike

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Nurses in Wisconsin gathered at the State Capitol Tuesday, March 16, a week ahead of their possible strike next Wednesday.

They are currently engaged in negotiations for a new contract with Unity Point Health.

It's not known exactly what the nurses are pushing for, but they say they want better support as they work through the COVID pandemic.

They also say they are negotiating for better work-life balance, better protections against COVID-19 and sick days that don't cut into vacation time.

"Working with COVID patients this year is extremely real. Nurses heal each other. Now, we need the time to support and heal ourselves. Every worker should have the same, a right to join a union and a right to have a voice in their workplace."

Unity Point Health says it already provides competitive benefits and ample paid time off to its nurses.