Full Breakdown
Rush University Medical Center Nurses Vote to Unionize
5/20/2026, 9:21:53 AM
Union Election Results
On May 18, 2026, 77 percent of voting nurses at Rush University Medical Center approved representation by the National Nurses Organizing Committee (NNOC), an affiliate of National Nurses United. The NLRB recorded 1,190 votes for and 350 against, meeting the certification threshold.
Background & Context
The vote follows a petition filed in April with the NLRB and a nationwide surge in nurse unionization. Earlier attempts at Rush had failed. NNOC already represents more than 7,000 nurses at nine Chicago facilities, including University of Chicago Medicine and Cook County Health. Senator Bernie Sanders praised the nurses, noting the hospital’s ability to improve staffing and conditions.
Key Figures & Groups
Organizers include labor-and-delivery nurse Olivia Bouchard, RN Jennifer Pearl, emergency-department RN Conner Smith, and antepartum/postpartum RN Regina Piper. Hospital officials are led by senior vice president and chief nursing officer Deana Sievert. The union side is the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United, and the NLRB oversaw the election.
Data & Statistics
77 percent voted yes, with 1,190 affirmative and 350 negative ballots. About 2,000 Rush nurses will be covered. Rush is a 671-bed hospital. NNOC’s Chicago membership exceeds 7,000 nurses, while National Nurses United has more than 225,000 members nationwide.
On-the-Ground Reports
Around 50 nurses gathered at Chicago’s Billy Goat Tavern for a watch party. They hugged, chanted “77 %” and “Union power,” and passed out Malört shots. Olivia Bouchard said, “We are united in our front.” Jennifer Pearl described the result as “validating” after months of campaigning and personal sacrifices.
Official Statements & Responses
Deana Sievert said Rush is reviewing the preliminary results, respects nurses’ voting rights, and will ensure prompt validation while maintaining focus on patient care. The NNOC issued a release stating the newly unionized nurses will soon begin bargaining for a first collective bargaining agreement covering staffing ratios, pay transparency, and dedicated educator nurses.
Why It Matters / Impact
Unionization is intended to improve nurse-to-patient ratios, create pay equity, and enhance patient safety through negotiated staffing standards. Successful contracts could set a benchmark for other Chicago hospitals and contribute to the broader trend of healthcare labor organization.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The hospital has not announced a definitive date for contract negotiations, and final certification by the NLRB remains pending. Details on how the union will address pay disparities and staffing levels are still under discussion.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You just won your union,” — coworker, Rush nurse
- “We are united in our front,” — Olivia Bouchard, labor-and-delivery nurse
- “I’m just thrilled,” — Jennifer Pearl, RN
- “We deeply respect the right of our nurses to participate in the election and thank everyone who made their voices heard.” — Deana Sievert, senior vice president & chief nursing officer
- “We are excited to bargain for a strong contract that protects patients and nurses so we can provide the best care possible,” — Regina Piper, RN
What’s Next
The NNOC plans to begin collective bargaining soon, focusing on staffing ratios, pay scales, and educator-nurse positions.
