UPHS-Marquette RNs use collective action to achieve historic contract

Nurse members at UPHS-Marquette this month ratified a historic contract with 20% raises in the first year and market adjustments to ensure appropriate credit for experience on the wage scale. The contract also includes 5 percent raises in the second and third year. The techs at UPHS-Marquette continue to bargain their first contract and they are fighting for the same type of major wins. 

This win speaks to the power of collective action. The strike taken during the previous contract negotiations taught the employer that these nurses stand together and will not back down.

“This is a huge leap in nurses being recognized for our value, especially after putting in so many long shifts throughout the pandemic,” said Stephanie DePetro, RN, president of the MGH RN Staff Council. “Nurses remain focused on putting our patients and our community first.”

Three Rivers members ratify new contract after picket

Nurses at Three Rivers Health-Beacon Health System ratified a new agreement with wage increases of almost 12% in the first year and nearly 20% over the life of the contract. They also won higher shift differentials, phaseout of the practice of calling in nurses from home to work mandatory overtime, and improved paid time off policies. 

The agreement came on the heels of a boisterous informational picket last month.

 “Through our solidarity and community support, we made it clear that Beacon Health must invest in Three Rivers,” said Brandy Shoup, RN, president of the local union.

MNA-UMPNC nurses turn out in force at regents meeting, plan picket

MNA-UMPNC nurses held their “Rally at the Regents” as they called on the University of Michigan regents to support them in bargaining for a fair contract that protects patients and invests in nurses.

“The university is in a strong financial position but instead of investing in the nurses who make up the core of our healthcare system, they are focused on building a $1 billion tower,” said Renee Curtis, RN, president of MNA-University of Michigan Professional Nurse Council. “We need a contract that invests in nurses and patients, not an approach that is about building more buildings and padding the university’s bottom line.”

As nurses remain united and stay strong at the bargaining table, they also have planned an informational picket for July 16. If you are an MNA-UMPNC nurse, sign the Pledge to Picket below! If you are not but would still like to join the picket in solidarity, sign the community ally RSVP!

MNA supports full access to reproductive health care

With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, MNA’s Board of Directors – made up of nurses from across the state – has affirmed the organization’s support for comprehensive access to reproductive health care for all. Read MNA’s position paper on this issue, including a statement from MNA President Jamie Brown, RN, here.

MNA is an affiliate of National Nurses United and AFL-CIO. Read their statements here (NNU) and here (AFL-CIO).

Deadline for awards, Hall of Fame nominations is Aug. 1

Nominate a deserving nurse or healthcare professional for an MNA award. Awards are given annually to recognize outstanding nursing practice and union leadership. Nominations are due Aug. 1. Click here for a list of awards and to download the awards nomination form (PDF) or submit the nomination form online.

Nominations are also due Aug. 1 for the Michigan Nurses Hall of Fame, which recognizes nurses, both living and deceased, who have made a lasting contribution to patient care and the nursing profession in Michigan. Individuals as well as organizations and entities may be inducted. Nominators should review the Hall of Fame criteria and submit the Hall of Fame nomination form.

Donations needed to support the PAC/MNF online auction

After a successful debut last year, the MNA online auction returns this year from Oct. 6 to 8, in conjunction with the House of Delegates!

Proceeds are vital to supporting the nonpartisan MNA Political Action Committee and/or Michigan Nurses Foundation. Want to help? Members are encouraged to donate items or gift baskets. Please register donations via this form. Questions may be directed to Daniel Myckowiak at dan.myckowiak@minurses.org or (517) 897-1115.

Opioid epidemic update and pain management best practices

MNA and the Eta Rho Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau at Eastern Michigan University are collaborating to bring an opioid epidemic update and pain management best practices CE to life for our Fall Education Day – free for members – on Sept. 13 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

We will be hosting a virtual live (2.0 contact hours) CE targeted towards RNs, APRNs and CNS. The content is on the opioid crisis in Michigan, current available treatment options, and best practices for pain management. Registration information will follow soon!

The Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Surviving versus thriving: Reflecting on moral distress and adding gratitude as a coping skill

The last two-and-a half years have been challenging for nurses and other healthcare workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic and have contributed to increased levels of moral distress and moral injury. 

A new MNA online CE, which is free for members, provides information about suicide prevention, moral resilience, and including the practice of gratitude as a coping skill. RNs completing the activity will receive 1 contact hour of continuing education. See the online module and others here.

2022 MNA House of Delegates is Oct. 7 and 8

Delegates and first alternates – mark your calendars for the 2022 House of Delegates to be held on Oct. 7 and 8 at the Grand Traverse Resort, Traverse City. Registration begins in July.

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