(ALMA, MICHIGAN) - While much of the country fired up grills and watched fireworks this Independence Day weekend, most of the 178 Registered Nurses (RNs) employed at MyMichigan Medical Center Alma walked the picket line instead, fighting for their own kind of freedom - freedom from unfair wages, unsafe staffing and a Hospital Administration they say has conducted illegal Anti-Union action. 

The three-day Strike, which began on Friday, July 3rd and ran through Monday (July 6th) morning, came after 16 grueling negotiating sessions for a new contract and a 98% Strike Authorization Vote from Nurses who say they have simply run out of patience.

This weekend Strike is the latest escalation in a months-long battle between the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) and MyMichigan Health, which Nurses accuse of violating their contract and engaging in unlawful conduct throughout negotiations.

They join Nurses around the country - whether represented by the National Nurses United (NNU), the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) or the Teamsters, in fighting back against a Health Care System that doesn’t work for its Workers or patients but simply tries to maximize profits.

The MNA filed six Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) Charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which remain under investigation.

The charges include withdrawing contract proposals after the Union gave a legally-protected Strike Notice, stopping advance shift trades without bargaining before the Strike, and changing policies regarding the assignment of Psychiatric Care Nurses to other Departments without required bargaining beforehand. 

The Union also said that the Hospital refused to allow paid time off accrual on weekend overtime despite clear contract language, communicated directly with Hospital Staff about proposals not made at the bargaining table, and that a Hospital Representative made an unlawful threat against a Union Representative, stating Alma Nurses would never get a contract after the legally required notice of picketing was given.

“MyMichigan’s actions show nothing but disrespect and disregard for our Nurses, our Union and our community,” said RN Shenan Shinabarger, who serves as the President of the MNA Local at the Hospital and who is also a Member of the Statewide MNA Board. 

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: Michigan nurses fight for freedom from unfair wages and union-busting – People's World