MARQUETTE, MI-- UPHS Marquette has responded to its nurses’ request for minimum staffing levels.
Administration and RNs under the Michigan Nurses Association are currently negotiating a contract. Marquette RNs say current staffing levels are inadequate for good patient care. They’ve been circulating a petition over the past few weeks asking for an agreement that ensures guaranteed minimum staffing levels in every department and on every shift.
On Monday Victor Harrington, UPHS Regional Director, Marketing and Business Development, released the following statement:
“At UP Health System - Marquette, our people are our priority, and we are absolutely committed to delivering high-quality patient care and creating excellent workplaces for our employees.
“There is a nursing shortage across the United States. We’ve recognized this as an issue for the Upper Peninsula as well, and we continue to work on solutions.
“We are negotiating in good faith with the Michigan Nurses Association union to develop a contract that meets the needs of our nursing staff and hospital. Because we are in active negotiations with the union, and out of respect for the confidentiality of this process, we are unable to comment further.”
UPHS Marquette nurses intend to deliver signed petitions to hospital management during a press conference Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the RN Staff Council office on Magnetic Street in Marquette.
