As negotiations between LCMC Health and NOLA Nurses United continue, nurses, patients, and community allies will rally outside University Medical Center (UMC) on Tuesday, April 22, demanding action from hospital leadership. Organized by Step Up Louisiana, the rally and press conference will begin at 10:00 a.m. and call on LCMC CEO Greg Feirn to adopt the Workers’ Bill of Rights and reach a fair contract that prioritizes safety, staffing, and patient care.
The demonstration comes amid growing concerns from frontline nurses about unsafe conditions at UMC, including understaffing, long hours, and incidents of workplace violence. Nurses say the failure to resolve these issues is pushing experienced staff away from the bedside and jeopardizing care for patients.
“When the community shows up and says, ‘We support you. We understand what you’re doing is important and here is money to help with that,’ it just means a lot,” said Mike Robertshaw, a registered nurse at University Medical Center and union member. “It just means that we’re not in this alone.”
Robertshaw has also spoken out about the emotional toll of working under such strained conditions. He told a reporter that he feels he has to “check my conscience at the door” due to chronic understaffing at the hospital.
Since March 2023, nurses with National Nurses United have been organizing across the LCMC system, which includes UMC and Children’s Hospital. In 2024, LCMC reportedly spent millions on temporary replacement nurses during labor actions—funds that labor advocates argue could have instead supported fair contracts and permanent staffing solutions.
The April 22 rally will also spotlight a major victory for New Orleans workers. In the November 2024 election, 80% of voters approved an amendment to the city’s Home Rule Charter affirming New Orleans’ commitment to workers’ rights. Step Up Louisiana is calling on LCMC to align with that public mandate by formally committing to the Workers’ Bill of Rights as an employer.
Event Details:
What: Press Conference and Rally for Nurses’ Rights and Community Health
When: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 | 10:00 AM
Where: University Medical Center, 2000 Canal St., New Orleans, LA
Who: Step Up Louisiana, nurses, labor advocates, and community members
Confirmed Speakers Include:
- Carmen Demourelle, Step Up Louisiana member and patient advocate
- Leona Ellis, Step Up Louisiana member and patient advocate
- Reverend Gregory Manning, Broadmoor Community Church
- Mike Robertshaw, RN, University Medical Center
About Step Up Louisiana:
Step Up Louisiana is a grassroots organization dedicated to building power for education and economic justice. With a focus on racial equity, the group organizes workers, parents, students, and community members to disrupt systemic oppression in schools and workplaces through advocacy and direct action.
Media Contact:
Jamie Broussard
(225) 614-8454
jbroussard@redcypressconsulting.com
