The group met at the union offices for Iron Workers Local No. 8 in Marquette.

Although the signs varied in sayings, each had a primary focus — patient safety.

So far in 2017, UPHS nurses have filled out hundreds of forms describing unsafe and dangerous patient conditions faced at the hospital, a release from the Michigan Nurses Association said.

According to the association, the for-profit hospital has failed to address issues even after a report was handed over to the state of Michigan for an investigation in August.

Nearly 100 nurses and supporters gathered Thursday to make protest signs for a 48-hour scheduled strike starting Oct. 5. UP Health System nurses are fighting for safe staffing levels for patient care. Pictured from left, retired registered nurse Sue Crabb and RN Randy Luke each make signs supporting the decision. (Journal photo by Jaymie Depew)

Two more bargaining sessions are scheduled before the strike date. If negotiations aren’t successful between hospital management and the association’s bargaining team, nurses will strike outside UPHS at 7 a.m. Thursday until 7 a.m. Saturday.

Regional director of marketing and business development for UPHS Victor Harrington confirmed Thursday that a federal mediator has been working alongside the hospital and MNA as they negotiate.

UPHS is using a California-based staffing company, HealthSource Global, to recruit Michigan licensed registered nurses in all specialties.

According to its website, nurses will be paid $65 to $70 an hour depending on their specialty, which, according to Scott Balko, a registered nurse and president of the local nurses union chapter, is more than double what UPHS nurses make.

Jaymie Depew can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206. Her email address is jdepew@miningjournal.net.