Sault Ste. Marie Hospital Reacts to Nurses’ Strike, Operating Normally

The administration at MyMichigan Sault acknowledges that the first day of the nurses’ strike outside the Medical Center Sault has begun. However, inside the facility, teams are working hard with the assistance of MyMichigan Health nurses who have come from other locations within the health system to cover for striking nurses. Despite the strike, the staff was able to deliver a baby and handle three urgent operating room cases in the morning, demonstrating their ability to continue providing care to the community.

The administration believes that the proposal presented by MyMichigan to the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) is fair and reasonable, recognizing the excellent care provided by the nurses in Sault. Throughout the negotiations, the administration has made significant movements towards an agreement, compared to the unrealistic starting position presented by the MNA. The offers made by the Medical Center have increased over time, showing a commitment to reaching a resolution.

In addition to competitive wages, the administration highlights the benefits and incentives offered to nurses, including a comprehensive benefits package and investments in tools like the Epic electronic medical records system. The administration claims that such investments are crucial for patient safety and quality of care, and they would not have been possible without the support of MyMichigan Health.

The administration emphasizes that they value and respect their nurses, and they are committed to reaching an agreement that works for both parties. They urge the MNA to allow the nurses to vote on the contract proposal, in hopes of finding a resolution that is acceptable to all parties involved.