Michigan nurses rallied Friday across the state in support of new union contracts, with local attention focused on ongoing negotiations at Keweenaw Aspirus Hospital.
The Michigan Nurses Association organized the demonstration, connecting nurses and community members with the Keweenaw facility. Union leaders say they’re seeking contract terms similar to what Aspirus Health recently agreed to with nurses in Iron River.
“A lot of the current items that we’re proposing in our contract are actually similar things to their contract,” said Melissa Helppi, union president for the Keweenaw Aspirus Hospital Nurses Association chapter. “So we’re not really sure why Aspirus would deny us those same things that they agreed to at other UP facilities.”
Helppi, a licensed practical nurse, said staffing challenges persist at the facility. The union previously rallied over staffing changes and cuts on the medical surgical floor.
“Unfortunately we haven’t made much headway at Aspirus Keweenaw and I would say even sometimes the staffing has been worse due to lack of retention of nurses at our facility,” Helppi said.
Friday’s rally aimed to raise community awareness about working conditions nurses face on the Keweenaw Peninsula. Aspirus Health ratified a new contract with Iron River nurses in early April that extends through 2028.
Community members interested in supporting Keweenaw Aspirus nurses can contact hospital staff to learn more about conditions and obtain yard signs.
