Marquette Nurses Ratify a New Contract with Duke LifePoint

For Immediate Release
Contact: Sara Wallenfang; 517-974-4966

Contract gives nurses a stronger voice in staffing; includes wage increases and robust health insurance to attract and retain UP RNs

(Marquette, MI) A strong majority of registered nurses at UP Health System in Marquette, represented by the Michigan Nurses Association, voted to accept a new collective bargaining agreement with Duke LifePoint. The new contract contains many improvements for nurses and patients, including language to ensure that nurses have a stronger voice in staffing decisions and an attractive economic package.

“On behalf of Marquette nurses, I want to thank all of the community members who supported us throughout bargaining. The agreement that we reached is a win for patients across the UP,” said Scott Balko, Operating Room RN and President of the UPHS Marquette Staff Council/MNA. “Our new agreement contains significant wage increases and fair benefits which will help attract and retain nurses to serve the region. Quality health insurance means that those on the frontlines of patient care will be able to care for themselves and their families without worry. After a long negotiations process, we are hopeful that Duke LifePoint recognizes this contract as an opportunity to work with their nursing staff on continued improvements. Nurses will continue to be advocates to ensure the highest quality care for our patients, and we see the contract as a step in the right direction.”

The contract is a four-year agreement that takes effect on June 1, 2018.

The Michigan Nurses Association is the largest and most effective statewide labor and professional organization for nurses, representing about 375 nurses at UPHS-Marquette.

###

This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.