Mercyhealth Workers Remain on Strike After Two Months Without a Contract
JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN – More than 130 Mercyhealth East Clinic workers are still on strike, surpassing two months on the picket line as they continue pushing for better pay, affordable health care, and stronger safety measures at the Janesville facility.
Workers Rally at State Capitol
On Thursday, striking employees traveled to Madison and rallied on the steps of the Wisconsin State Capitol, chanting slogans like “One day longer, one day stronger” and “When we fight, we win.”
The strike began on July 2, meaning workers have now gone over 65 days without pay. Despite the hardship, many say they remain committed to the fight for a fair contract, according to local coverage of the rally.
Union Pushes for Wages, Benefits, and Safety
Employees on strike include nurses, physical therapists, and maintenance staff, all represented by UAW Local 95. Their demands include higher wages, more affordable health care benefits, and stronger safety protections.
Several workers have also raised concerns about the lack of functioning security cameras at the clinic, saying it puts both staff and patients at risk.
“It is a struggle. It has caused us to lean on each other more,” said Brittney Stevens, a registered nurse serving as strike captain. “We typically are the people caring for others. Now we’re asking the community to help support us.”
Community Support and Solidarity
The striking workers say they’ve relied heavily on community donations. A “solidarity pantry” has been set up with food and supplies, supported by residents across Janesville and neighboring towns. Union leaders credit this generosity as a major reason they’ve been able to stay out so long.
Donations for workers are being accepted at the UAW Local 95 Hall on Lafayette Street, where food and monetary contributions are collected during the week. The union says community support has been critical in keeping the strike going.
Mercyhealth’s Response
Mercyhealth has continued to state that the clinic will stay open with no disruption in patient care, even as negotiations remain stalled. In a statement first issued in July, the organization said it is negotiating “in good faith” but provided no update on when talks might resume.
Union members, however, argue that leadership needs to do more than repeat past statements.
“Come to us with a date so that we are able to get back to the table,” Stevens said. “So we can start taking care of these patients again.”
With no deal reached, the strike continues into its third month. For more updates on this labor standoff and other community news across Wisconsin and Illinois, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.