MARQUETTE, MI-- Registered nurses have returned to work at UPHS-Marquette.
Hospital doors were open Tuesday morning to the nurses, who went on a 48-hour strike last Thursday through Saturday to protest low staffing levels. The hospital brought in contract nurses to replace the picketing RNs, and when local nurses tried to return to work Saturday morning they found themselves locked out.
Hospital administration says it had to give replacement nurses a five-day contract and claims it told the nurses’ union about the plan.
The nurses have handed out signs for local businesses and residents to put in their windows and yards. The union says it’s a sign of solidarity with those who want better working conditions and a safer environment for patients.
The hospital says it will work with the Michigan Nurses Association union to reach a satisfactory contract. No bargaining sessions have yet been scheduled.
