FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 3, 2025
Columbus, OH — Nurses at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, represented by the Ohio Nurses Association (ONA) and AFT, have officially ratified a new union contract, marking a major milestone in their ongoing fight for patient safety, workplace protections, and accountability from hospital leadership.
The ratification follows months of negotiations, and a high-profile campaign led by the nurses of OSUNO, a local of ONA representing more than 4,000 registered nurses at OSU. From unsafe staffing levels and rising incidents of workplace violence to a lack of transparency and support from management, nurses made it clear: the health of our community is directly tied to the safety and voice of its health professionals.
“This contract is a hard-earned step forward,” said Tony Myers, President of the Ohio State University Nurses Organization (OSUNO). “But it’s not the end — it’s the beginning of a new phase. Nurses stood together not just for ourselves, but for our patients. We will not tolerate million-dollar executives ignoring blatant safety issues that put patients and staff at risk. Now we must stay united to enforce this contract, demand accountability, and keep fighting for the safe, high-quality care every patient deserves.
While the new contract includes stronger protections and resources for nurses, union leaders stress that a contract is only as powerful as its enforcement — and that frontline nurses must remain organized and ready to act when patient safety or nurse rights are threatened.
“You can’t separate nurse safety from patient safety — they go hand in hand,” said Rick Lucas RN, President of the Ohio Nurses Association and staff nurse at OSU. “OSU nurses put everything on the line to make that clear. This contract reflects their strength and vision, but we all know the work is far from done. Together, we’ll hold management accountable and keep building power to protect patients and the professionals who care for them.”
OSUNO nurses remain focused on enforcing the contract, protecting nursing practice, and continuing their advocacy for safe staffing and quality care for all.
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About ONA
Formed in 1904, the Ohio Nurses Association is a powerful network of nurses and health professionals. Our mission is to unite and empower nurses and health professionals, championing their rights, promoting professional practice, and advocating for quality care for all patients in Ohio, while fostering a strong and cohesive professional union community. To learn more or to become a member of the Ohio Nurses Association, visit https://ohnurses.org/.
Contact: Michelle Day
Director of Communications & Technology
mday@ohnurses.org