More than 130 workers on strike at Janesville Mercyhealth clinic

More than 130 workers at a Janesville medical clinic went on strike Wednesday for better work conditions, as well as improved pay and benefits.

They’re represented by the United Auto Workers Local 95 and work at the Mercyhealth East Clinic in Janesville. The striking workers include nurses, physical therapists, medical assistants and maintenance staff.

On social media, UAW Local 95 said the health system wanted to pass “significant health care cost increases on to” its members that “pale in comparison to already inadequate wage increases at their Mercy East Clinic.”

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“Our members do virtually everything from providing multiple levels of care to facility maintenance,” the union stated. “Non-profit healthcare workers should be able to afford their own healthcare.”

Brian Ische, a facility maintenance engineer at the clinic, was on the picket line Thursday outside the clinic. He said the last offer the union received was “quite honestly, insulting.”

“The way they’ve been working with us has been even more insulting,” he said. “It’s unfortunate that we have health care workers … out here instead of taking care of patients. We’re out here trying to protect our livelihoods.”

Four people walk on a sidewalk holding signs that read UAW ON STRIKE in front of a building with trees and parked cars nearby. — Workers picket Thursday, July 3, 2025, outside of Mercyhealth East in Janesville, Wis. Angela Major/WPR

In a statement, Mercyhealth system Vice President Jeni Hallatt said the health system felt it negotiated with the union in a “fair and equitable manner.” She says the union rejected its last offer and initiated the strike.

“To protect Mercyhealth East’s patients and partners, Mercyhealth will implement a strategic plan to continue providing excellent care to our community,” Hallatt stated. “There will be no disruption in patient care.”

The strike in Janesville comes after nurses represented by the Service Employees International Union went on strike at UnityPoint Health-Meriter Hospital in Madison. The two sides in that dispute reached an agreement May 31 after a five-day walkout.

Another UAW local in Oshkosh wrapped up a monthslong strike. Those workers are represented by UAW Local 291 and work at Indiana-based Cummins Inc.’s drivetrain and braking systems plant in Oshkosh.

The UAW in Oshkosh agreed to a three-year contract improving wages and addressing weekend work concerns, according to the AFL-CIO. The workers are expected to return to work on July 7.

Mercy Clinic East building exterior with parked vehicles in the lot, American flag, and trees in the foreground. — Cars are parked outside of Mercyhealth East on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Janesville, Wis. *Angela Major/WPR*

In a statement, UAW Local 291 President Ryan Compton said the 14-week strike was effective because the union was able to get concessions from the company.

“I’m going to claim this strike as a victory,” Compton stated. “It’s never a complete victory, but I think we got them to move on some things that they really didn’t want to move on.”

In a statement to WGBA-TV, Cummins said the company believes the new contract represents a “fair and balanced package for all parties.”

Editor’s note: WPR’s Angela Major contributed to this story.