Local 727 Members Stand with Striking University of Chicago Medical Center Nurses, Refuse to Cross Picket Lines Sanctioned by Joint Council 25

According to the National Nurses Organizing Committee and National Nurses United, University of Chicago Medical Center registered nurses walked off the job today over forced overtime and understaffing issues they say put patients’ safety at risk.  While the group of over 2,000 unionized nurses planned only to hold a one-day strike, it has been reported that the job action will turn into a lockout and nurses will not be allowed to return to work until Wednesday, September 25.

Upon seeing the National Nurses United members on strike this morning, Teamsters Local 727 parking and valet industry members employed by InterPark and VPA at the University of Chicago Medical Center refused to cross their fellow union Brothers and Sisters’ sanctioned picket lines.

Local 727 parking and valet industry members may continue to refuse to cross the sanctioned strike line without fear of discipline or retaliation thanks to their hard-earned collective bargaining agreements.  According to Article 7 of the master parking industry and master valet industry agreements, no employee “shall be required to go through a picket line when the picket line is approved by Teamsters’ Joint Council No. 25.”

“Our members fought hard to secure the right to honor union picket and strike lines.  I’m proud of our members for exercising their contractually protected right and standing alongside the members of National Nurses United while they fight for safe working practices,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727.  “Nurses provide lifesaving care each and every day.  Local 727 is proud to support these heroes as they stand up and demand the respect they deserve.”

Following Local 727 members’ refusal to cross the striking nurses’ sanctioned picket lines, their employers, InterPark and VPA, began using scabs to perform bargaining unit work.  Local 727 immediately filed grievances over the Companies’ egregious contract violations.

“If these Companies believe they can get away with violating their collective bargaining agreements, they are sorely mistaken,” added Coli.  “Local 727 will fight to protect union work and our members’ rights.”

Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or grievance(s), or as a waiver of any rights, arguments, or defenses under any contract, collective bargaining agreement, or applicable law. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.

Category: Current Events, PARKING, Valet