print this page

Informational Picket Scheduled to Support USW Nurses Seeking First Contract with HealthSource Saginaw

Media Advisory

Photo & interview opportunities

For Immediate Release                                           January 4, 2008

Saginaw, Mich. ­­-­- Community, religious and labor leaders will gather in front of HealthSource Saginaw Monday from 1 to 5 p.m. for an informational picket to support registered nurses represented by the United Steelworkers union in their effort to obtain a first labor contract from the public hospital.

Cheryl M. Hadsall, chair of the Saginaw County Commissioners and member of the hospital board, will join USW nurses at a press conference to be held outside the hospital at 4 p.m.

The 70 nurses, members of USW Local 12075, have been negotiating without resolution with HealthSource Saginaw for 15 months. In addition to improving wages and benefits, the nurses are seeking to enhance patient advocacy and increase staffing to advance patient care and safety.

Those participating in the rally will gather at the facility at 3340 Hospital Road, Saginaw to support the nurses’ goals.  “Hopefully, this peaceful demonstration will highlight to management the needs and concerns of our dedicated nurses,” said Rocky Chase, vice president of USW Local 12075.  “We hope to expand our reach and our voice beyond the bargaining table to the HealthSource Board of Directors and the taxpayers who support this important institution,” Chase said.

“Our nurses put everything they have into their work,” said nurse negotiator Vicky West, adding, “They’re consistently touching patients’ hearts with their love and compassion. It’s time they’re rewarded for their work with improved working conditions, reduced staffing ratios and secure wages and benefits.”

The USW represents more than 850,000 workers in the U.S. and Canada, including 40,000 in the health care and pharmaceutical industries.

Contact: Leslie Curtis, 412-225-1011 lcurtis@usw.org

###