MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Around 200 healthcare professionals gathered for a rally ahead of contract talks with UP Health Systems. Registered nurses and medical technicians are demanding more equitable contracts.
They lined the roadway along Washington Street in Downtown Marquette. Nurses and health care workers rallied today calling for fair contracts that prioritize patients over profits.
“We’re fighting for safe staffing. We’re fighting to keep our health insurance that we’ve had for 30 years, that’s in our contract that we’re not letting go of. And of course, fair wages,” said Cardiac Nurse, Kelly Comrie, .
Comrie is one of nearly 600 registered nurses and technicians represented by two unions currently negotiating contracts with LifePoint health, a Tennessee based company owned by Apollo Global Management a private equity firm.
“Staffing ratios are number one. We provided them with a staffing ratio proposal day one of negotiations. They have yet to respond to it,” said Comrie.
The Registered Nurse Staff Council began bargaining in March, though their contract expired May 31, it’s been extended until July 1. Technicians under the Marquette Ancillary Staff and Technologist Union or MAST are also at the table with their contract set to expire September 8.
“It’s hard when you feel that you’re just a number and you’re not appreciated or taken for granted, per se, it’s hard,” said Mast Vice President, Kerri Beckman.
According to the Michigan nurses, Association, health care workers are concerned about proposed changes to insurance plans installed discussions on staffing levels,
“Safe staffing is the main goal that we’re going for in this contract,” said Comrie.
Bargaining resumes this week with both parties committed to a fair and equitable outcome.
