Allegan, MI – MNA nurses at an Ascension Hospital in Allegan are set to receive an average raise of 26% over the next three years. Some nurses will be receiving raises above 30%. In addition to the raises, RNs were able to win fairer scheduling practices that will improve work life balance.

The gains come after a series of landmark contracts have been won by the Michigan Nurses Association. Previously, MNA nurses at Ascension – Borgess in Kalamazoo held an informational picket and strike authorization vote in order to win improvements. This helped set a productive tone during negotiations at Ascension Allegan.

“Being a part of a union gives us a democratic voice and dignity in the workplace,” said Tina Kaiser, an RN in the surgical services department and president of the local union. “Nurses are creating a movement in Michigan. Each improved contract helps lead to the next improved contract. Together, we are able to make sure that patients come before profits.”

The Michigan Nurses Association is an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU). In the past two years, about 2,550 nurses at four different facilities in Ascension have voted to unionize with NNU.

“From Kalamazoo to Allegan to Austin, we’re all in this together,” said Lori Batzloff, a nurse at Ascension Borgess and MNA Board member. “We are negotiating to improve our hospitals and to hold this corporation accountable. Nurses know that we have the strongest voice when we are united.”

The contract was ratified on Tuesday, March 5.

The Michigan Nurses Association is the largest and most effective union for registered nurses and healthcare professionals in Michigan. MNA is an affiliate of National Nurses United and the AFL-CIO.

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Contact: Amelia Dornbush, 517-896-7478