Nurses at two area hospitals may be getting closer to going on strike.
Shenan Shinabarger, is a nurse at MyMichigan Alma and president of their local chapter of the Michigan Nurses Association. “We’re worried about the future for our patients,” said Shinabarger.
The MNA announced earlier Friday evening that nurses at MyMichigan Alma and McLaren Central will be holding strike authorization votes next week. Nurses at both hospitals have been working without contracts since November.
Shinabarger said nurses are fighting for competitive wages that will attract and retain nurses. MyMichigan Alma nurses are set to vote next Wednesday and nurses at McLaren Central will take place the next day.
“Our nurses are fired up there. They’re ready to stand up and demand that we’re able to have a contract that recruits and retains nurses. They want to ensure that we’re able to provide safe, patient care for years to come,” said Shinabarger.
If the nurses get enough votes to allow the bargaining team to call for a strike, the nurses are required to give 10 days’ notice.
Approximately 150 nurses work at MyMichigan Alma and another 100 at McLaren Central.
