Sault nurses authorize second strike

Another nurses’ strike may be on the horizon at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault.

Union nurses at the Sault Ste. Marie hospital voted overwhelmingly to authorize a second unfair labor practice strike as negotiations with hospital administrators fail to produce a contract.

The nurses held a five-day strike in April. They have been working without a contract since Dec. 31.

It is unclear how long a second strike would last.

The nurses will provide a ten-day notice before taking to the picket line again and will receive financial support from a new Michigan Nurses Association strike pay benefit.

“Our union is stronger than ever. We are ready to do whatever it takes to get a fair contract so our hospital has enough nurses to take care of our community safely,” nurse bargaining team member Colleen Wacaush said. “MyMichigan executives need to feel the pressure and be held accountable for their actions.”

The hospital is frequently short staffed, endangering patient safety, according to the nurses.

They argue that recruiting and retaining nurses is difficult because MyMichigan Sault pays nurses below fair market value.

According to information shared by MNA, the top of scale pay rate for registered nurses at MyMichigan Sault is $37 per hour.

The same wage chart indicates that RN wages at MyMichigan Alma top out at just under $49 per hour.

The union has filed multiple unfair labor practice charges against MyMichigan Sault with the National Labor Relations Board.

An 18th bargaining session is scheduled for next Wednesday.