Registered nurses from the Alpena Regional Medical Center in Alpena, MI have voted unanimously to reject a recent contract offer from the employer. The nurses are represented by the Michigan Nurses Association, Michigan’s largest organization for frontline nurses.

“When we were presented with this contract offer, I was incredulous,” said Jenny McClendon, RN, president of the ARMC RN Staff Council Unit I.  “We have brought our concerns regarding patient safety to this management numerous times and the contract offers nothing to address these problems. Then, in a year where ARCM reported generous profits, they come to us with a contract that is riddled with concessions for the nurses.”

“I looked at this contract offer and it was a slap in the face,” said Lori Mousseau, RN, grievance chair for ARMC RN Staff Council Unit 1. “This contract offer does nothing to ensure that I can come to work each shift knowing that I will have the support to provide safe patient care for my patients.”

The union has contacted the Michigan Employment Relations Commission (MERC) and requested a state meditator to consider a peaceful way to a resolution. Additionally, MNA/ARMC Unit 1 is meeting with legal counsel and considering further actions against ARMC.

“This contract offer was an insult to the nurses at ARMC,” said John Karebian, MNA Executive Director. “I applaud them for taking a stand for what’s right for their patients and their fellow coworkers.  It’s clear from the solidarity nurses demonstrated with their vote that they will not allow their issues to be ignored.  ARMC management can expect to be challenged until this situation is resolved.”

CONTACT: Ann Sincox, 517-256-2312 (cell); ann.sincox@minurses.org