UW Health nurses plan 3-day strike over working conditions

NOW: UW Health nurses plan 3-day strike over working conditions
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MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- In Madison, University of Wisconsin Health nurses are fed up with their working conditions.

They want a union and they're planning a strike.

"I remember the days when we had a union contract and when our hospital put people before profits," said Shari Signer, UW Health nurse. "But things have changed."

Signer says nurses at UW Health are overworked and undertrained. They've given official notice of a three-day strike which would start on Sept. 13, though they're leaving the door open for dialogue.

"We are highly trained, skilled professionals and we have been reduced to begging for help. That is no way to run a hospital."

"There doesn't have to be a strike," said Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wisconsin). "The board can simply follow the advice of Attorney General Josh Kaul and recognize this union and do the right thing."

UW Health issued a statement Monday night about the strike. It says:

"The planned work stoppage set for Sept. 13 to Sept. 16 for a group of nurses remains disappointing. While SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin is aware of avenues to determine if collective bargaining at UW Health is legal, the choice to strike will not answer those legal questions. UW Health will continue to focus on its top priority; high-quality care and safety for patients and staff. For additional information, see our previous statement."
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