UPHS – Marquette nurses to vote on a strike authorization

MARQUETTE — Months after the UPHS nurses went on strike, the nurses will be voting to authorize a strike this weekend.

“We are deeply disappointed that Duke LifePoint managers have failed to address our staffing and other outstanding concerns in contract negotiations. Members will vote on a strike authorization on Friday and Saturday. That will determine our next steps in our fight for patient safety,” said Scott Balko, Operating Room RN and President of the UPHS Marquette RN Staff Council/MNA, in a statement.

If the nurses vote in favor of a strike, it would give the staff council the authority to call another strike, if necessary.

The nurses went on strike for 48 hours in October, citing unsafe staffing levels at the hospital, which has led to patient safety issues. Contract negotiations between the RN Staff Council and Duke LifePoint have been ongoing since April 18th, 2017. The nurses have been working without a contract since late July.

We have reached out to the hospital for comment, and are awaiting a response.

This is a developing story. Stay with ABC 10 for updates.