Don’t Strike Out: The Role of Infection Preventionists in Labor Strikes

Session Description: Since 2021, healthcare worker labor strikes have increased and at least 130 strikes have occurred between 2021 and July 2024. Most healthcare systems manage labor strikes through emergency management systems. The role of infection preventionists (IPs) role in natural disasters and infectious disease related emergencies is well documented. However, emergency situations outside of these are not well described in the infection prevention literature. There are transferable lessons from traditional emergencies, but strike preparation presents unique challenges. These challenges include rapid onboarding of temporary staff, maintenance of core IP department functionality when IPs are drafted into bedside type rolls, and identifying surveillance needs when normal operations are interrupted.

This session will cover how to recognize and prepare for a labor strike by understanding labor negotiation practices including timelines, collaborating with key partners to conduct a risk assessment based on the roles of those striking, management of essential IP functions during the strike, and surveillance in the post-strike recovery. It will also provide tools for advocating for IP role during the strike and identify bedside roles that fill both organizational need and maximize IP benefit for safe patient care.