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U Of C Hospital Nurses Vote For Strike

CHICAGO (WBBM) -- Nurses working at the University of Chicago Medical Center have voted to authorize a strike if their demands are not met.

As WBBM Newsradio 780's Mary Frances Bragiel reports, 1,300 registered nurses employed by the U of C Medical Center voted overwhelmingly for the strike authorization because it sends a strong message, according to a National Nurses United spokeswoman Jan Rodolfo.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Mary Frances Bragiel reports

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Rodolfo says contract negotations have been underway since last August, with the two sides fighting about staffing levels and an end to rotating shifts.

Hospital officials argue staffing levels are consistently ranked high compared to other hospitals.

The nurses have been represented by National Nurses United since June of last year.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS Radio and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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