Welcome to the December edition of the Michigan Nurse! We look forward to sharing news, and highlighting stories and important events from MNA Nurses across the state.

If you have a tip or story you would like to share, send an email to minurses@minurses.org

Nurses Fight Back, Force Munson Into Settlement

Munson Medical Center in Traverse City must post signs stating that nurses have a right to talk about working conditions as part of a settlement with the National Labor Relations Board.

Traverse City Munson Nurses Association members filed a charge earlier this year alleging violations of federal labor law, including that a Munson nurse was threatened with discipline for talking about the impact of working excessive hours.

“We’ve been pretty disappointed that our administration has continued to try and silence our union and our collective voice rather than working with us to improve patient care,” said TCMNA President Carolyn Moss, RN.  “As long as this kind of stuff continues we are going to challenge them and fight back."

Gratiot, McLaren Nurses Light Up Holiday Parades With Contract Message

MNA nurses at MidMichigan Medical Center – Gratiot in Alma and McLaren Central Michigan in Mt. Pleasant marched this month in local holiday parades, spreading their message of deserving fair contracts that put patients first.

The nurses even marched together in one of the parades, and got a rousing reception from the crowds every time. All across Michigan, nurses are calling on healthcare executives to put patients before profits.

The strong solidarity sets the stage for the Gratiot nurses’ informational picket, demanding pay equity with other Mid-Michigan system hospitals and stronger staffing language in their contract. The picket is 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. this Thursday (Dec. 19) outside the hospital in Alma. 

Want to join the picket in solidarity? Sign up here. 

Save the Date - Spring Leadership Action Conference

As you plan 2020, be sure to ask off for May 5 and 6 so you can participate in MNA’s Spring Leadership Action Conference in Lansing. Learn how to build power in your local, your community and with elected officials. This free two-day event is for MNA members only. 5.5 contact hours will be awarded to members who attend the entire event and complete the evaluations. Michigan Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. 

Sign up for this special event here.

Call for Volunteers! Join a Council or a Committee

MNA is a member-driven organization! Consider serving on a committee or council with our union. Applications are still open for the Council on Clinical Nursing Practice, Advocacy & Education, the Diversity Inclusion and Cultural Competency Committee, and the Retirement Committee. Click here to see a brief description of each.  Appointments will be made in January. 

Submit a Biographical and Consent form to apply.