Meeting with Michigan Nursing Associaton

The first meeting of the Munson Nurses Support Group took place on Wednesday, February 6, 2019, at Lucky’s Market community room in Traverse City. The purpose of the group is to make the Grand Traverse Area aware of the delay in finalizing the union contract and to find ways for the public to support the nurses’ efforts.

Members of the Michigan Nurses Association and a representative of the nursing staff met with people from the community to share information about the ongoing negotiations. There have been several recent tentative agreements but the issues of wages and benefits (health insurance) remain on the bargaining table. Phil Bianco, representing Michigan Nursing Association, told us that Munson salaries rank 63rd out of 74 similar hospitals in Michigan; and the health care policy being offered is just barely above the minimum required by law. Phil claimed that in an effort to turn nurses against the union, non-union employees are being offered a raise and benefit package.

Meeting participants are asking members of the community to contact Munson administration and hospital board members in an effort to get an explanation as to why it has taken over a year and a half to find a way to provide salaries and benefits comparable to those offered at similar hospitals in the state.

Everyone living in Northwestern Michigan can expect to someday rely on the care of a nurse employed by Munson Medical Center. They should be able to feel confident that the care will be provided by nurses who are adequately compensated for their efforts.

Visit munsonnurses.org for the latest bargaining updates and to see how you can get involved.

The Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) plan to join us at the GTDems Winter Rally Feb. 16 at the Grand Traverse Resort.