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Nurses, hospital reach contract agreement

MARQUETTE — A tentative agreement on a contract for UPHS-Marquette nurses has been reached.

“Our first priority has always been taking care of our patients and our community,” said Stephanie DePetro, a registered nurse and president of the MGH RN Staff Council and vice president of the Michigan Nurses Association Board of Directors. “We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that focuses on attracting and retaining the nurses our community needs so we can provide the best care possible.

“We want to thank the community for their support; it has meant the world to us. UPHS-Marquette nurses also stand in solidarity with our ancillary staff and technologists, who are bargaining their first contract with LifePoint.”

Staffing issues had been at the center of conflict between nurses and UPHS-Marquette.

The tentative agreement is not final until approved by the membership. The previous contract expired on Wednesday. UPHS-Marquette members will vote on the agreement on June 9-10.

The contract will be retroactive from Wednesday if approved.

The council said it will release no further details or statements at this time.

UPHS-Marquette released a statement on Thursday.

“Marquette is pleased to share that we have reached tentative agreement with the Michigan Nurses Association on a new contract for the nurses represented by the MNA,” it said. “Since our contract negotiations began nearly 12 weeks ago, we have been committed to achieving a successful outcome with the MNA. Conversations at the bargaining table have been productive and forward-looking.

“The proposed contract terms that form the basis of our tentative agreement are competitive, fair and respectful, and we believe meet the needs of our staff, the hospital and the community.”

UPHS-Marquette CEO Gar Atchison said in a statement, “We are confident that this is a mutually agreeable contract. If ratified, both parties will have the tools needed to continue providing care in a way that maintains our high standards for quality and safety and prioritizes patient needs in a highly dynamic health care environment.

“Most importantly, finalizing a new contract will allow us to return our focus to building a strong culture of respect, appreciation and collaboration within our team. UPHS-Marquette considers it a privilege to serve the health care needs of the Upper Peninsula, and we appreciate the trust our community members place in us every day.”

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.

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