Sault Ste. Marie, MI – MNA nurses at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault will be rallying at an informational picket outside of the hospital on Tuesday, March 12 from 4:30pm-6:30pm. Nurses are in negotiations for their first contract with the health system since the hospital was purchased.

Nurses say that they are frustrated by the attitude of MyMichigan executives – who are demanding concessions in their contract that they have not asked of non-union nurses. They are also concerned that the corporation – which netted $13 million in income according to the most recently available 990 – is not offering wages that are competitive with other area hospitals.

“It is important for the future of our community hospital that we be able to recruit and retain RNs,” said Stacey Duchin, RN. “That won’t happen unless MyMichigan executives are willing to negotiate a fair contract.”

WHAT: Nurses’ Rally to Save Our Soo
WHERE: Outside of My Michigan Medical Center Sault (500 Osborn Boulevard, Sault Ste. Marie, MI)
WHEN: Tuesday, March 12, from 4:30pm – 6:30pm
WHO: MyMichigan Medical Center Sault RNs and supportive community members
Visuals/sounds: Nurses chanting, wearing red

“As a union, we have the ability to speak up together for what is right for our patients and each other,” said Colleen Waucaush, RN, and president of the MNA local at the hospital. “We are rallying because we want to send a clear message to Midland’s executives that nurses will do what it takes to advocate for our community’s needs.”

MyMichigan Medical Center Sault was forced into a settlement with the federal government last November as a result of their anti-union conduct at the hospital. RNs say that they are not frightened by this employer’s history of aggressive anti-labor conduct and expect a high turnout at the event.

NOTE: This is not a work stoppage, picket, or strike – all participants are attending outside of their work hours. Members will participate without disrupting traffic flow or patient care.

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