Hundreds of nurses at the University of Illinois Hospital have initiated a second strike this year due to unresolved contract negotiations, focusing on demands for higher pay, improved staffing, and enhanced security against workplace violence. The Illinois Nurses Association, representing over 1,700 nurses, expressed frustration over proposed raises of under 3% while hospital management is set to receive up to 20% increases. A Cook County judge has limited the number of striking nurses to prevent jeopardizing patient care in critical units. UI Health claims its nurses are compensated above 90% of their Chicago counterparts and is actively addressing safety issues. The union argues that management's lack of direct engagement with frontline staff hinders effective solutions. Nurses plan to vote on the future of their strike if it continues into next week.