UI Health union says university using courts to stall bargaining

July 9, 2026 - 23:24

Nurse practitioners and physician assistants at UI Health have filed a formal complaint against the University of Illinois at Chicago, alleging that the administration is sidestepping the state labor board to stall union negotiations. The healthcare workers, represented by the Service Employees International Union, claim that UIC leadership has repeatedly sought court interventions to avoid sitting at the bargaining table.

According to the union, the university filed a legal challenge in Cook County court last month, arguing that certain job classifications should not be included in the bargaining unit. The union says this move is a deliberate tactic to drag out the process and prevent workers from securing better wages, staffing ratios, and workplace safety protections. "They are using the courts as a weapon to delay the democratic process of collective bargaining," a union spokesperson said in a statement.

The dispute centers on whether advanced practice providers, such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants, should be recognized as a single bargaining unit under state law. The Illinois Labor Relations Board had already ruled in favor of the union, but the university appealed that decision in court. Union representatives argue that the legal maneuver is a waste of public resources and a violation of the spirit of the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act.

UI Health officials have not commented on the specific allegations but have previously stated that they are committed to fair negotiations. The union has called on the university to drop the court case and return to the bargaining table immediately. Workers say they are prepared to escalate their actions if no progress is made, including potential picketing or a strike vote. The case is expected to be heard in court later this month.