Just as quickly as it had begun, the largest (one-day) strike in history has ended. The walkout begun a little over 24 hours ago concluded this morning at promptly at 7 AM. Of course, both sides were spinning pre- and poststrike operations as “going smoothly” and “achieving goals”. At the same time, they lobbied mutual criticisms — with the hospitals speculating the MNA move was all about generating publicity and increasing its rolls; and the nursing collective accusing the employer hospitals of putting profits above patients.

Apparently, no one really thought that — though concluded — the issues surrounding the walkout would cease to exist. To the contrary, there seems to be more confusion about where things stand at this time. Both sides will consider the entire episode a success, but the major issue is which side will push which agenda next. The hospitals have proven that their internal processes can contain costs^[1] if contingency planning was adequate. The scope of the (re) actions of the hospitals was to be expected. Such costs are part of its budget. Year end balance sheet agreements are the end result.

The nursing collective, on the other hand, have the burden to bear in the coming days and weeks. Do nothing, and watch the healthcare punditry and analysis closely scrutinize their actions. Even if the nurses’ decision to strike was justified, what did it really accomplish? How will their success be measured as a group action? Most of the nurses are back on the job this morning. Status quo reigns today at the hospitals. In the effort to keep operations running smoothly and maintaining the status quo, which side’s actions during the strike successfully justified their original positions which led to the strike? That’s the key question. | LINK

1. Via reducing patient counts and unnecessary procedures, hiring appropriate staffing in an expeditious manner. [↩]

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