Nurses file labor complaint against EMMC
A nurses' union at Eastern Maine Medical Center that has been negotiating for months for a new contract has filed an unfair labor practices complaint with the National Labor Relations Board.
The complaint, filed last week by the Maine State Nurses Association, alleges the Bangor hospital discourages staff nurses from filling out a union document when they feel patient load is putting patient safety at risk, according to the Bangor Daily News. The association said in a release that the hospital intimidates nurses who express concern over patient safety based on staffing levels. But Lorraine Rodgerson, EMMC's vice president for nursing services, told the paper the hospital expects nurses to follow its own process for reporting staffing-related concerns. In November, the union filed another complaint claiming the hospital attempted to delay contract negotiations by refusing to provide patient care records, which the union said would support its claim that the hospital is chronically understaffed.
EMMC and the union have been negotiating for a new three-year contract since August, and points of contention have been nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, health insurance for union members and protection from layoffs and transfers. Nurses held a one-day strike on Nov. 22. Talks are scheduled to resume Jan. 31, with both sides hopeful to reach an agreement.
Go to the article from the Bangor Daily News >>
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