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June
2, 2004
MGH registered
nurses, management agree to new contract
The
Michigan Nurses Association (MNA), representing more than 400
registered nurses on staff at Marquette General Hospital,
and MGH officials announce the settlement of a new three-year contract.
On Tuesday, June 1, MGH nurses ratified the contract, said Carolyn Hietamaki,
RN, the staff council president and co-leader of the Interest-Based Bargaining
(IBB) team. The contract, which expires on May 31, 2007, was agreed to last
week.
The contract calls for 4 percent salary increases each year of the deal. Minor
adjustments were made in health insurance coverage, as well as staffing.
Bill Nemacheck, chief executive officer at Marquette General, applauded the
professionalism shown by both sides in reaching the accord prior to the contract's
expiration on May 31.
"We are very pleased to announce the agreement," Nemacheck said. "The
cooperation exhibited by both parties is to be commended. In a time of declining
reimbursements in health care, it’s encouraging the two sides were able
to sit down in a spirit of cooperation and come to an agreement that both sides
are happy with.”
Al Hendra, assistant administrator and lead negotiator for Marquette General,
said the two sides began meeting on March 29. He stressed that getting a head
start on negotiations was in the best interest of both parties and area patients.
"There was a great deal of respect and professionalism present. Our focus
was on patient care," Hendra said.
The two sides once again used a problem-solving method of bargaining referred
to as Interest-Based Bargaining (IBB), an advantageous strategy endorsed by
both sides. That method of bargaining, Hendra said, has worked well in the
past.
According to Hendra, IBB works at constructive problem solving.
“We exchange issues rather than proposals," Hendra said.
Added Hietamaki: "We are happy to get the negotiations behind us so we
can concentrate on patient care.”
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