AR Gould Hospital Receives May Day Basket on International Workers’ Day from Unionized Nurses

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Union nurses at Northern Light AR Gould, Presque Isle, delivered a May Day basket to AR Gould CEO Greg Lafrancois to demand movement at the bargaining table on issues involving safe staffing and staff retention in order to deliver patients the care our commuity deserves.  Nurses at the Hospital each placed their name on a flower in the May Day basket to show their support and determination to address these issues in a strong contract.

“The last couple of years have been an absolute challenge at the hospital,” said chief steward and bargaining team member Lori McPherson, RN, in the recovery unit.  “We’ve had vacancies unfilled and we’re working short, while at the same time treating sicker patients.  ‘This has left us scrambling to provide basic care and created safety issues.”

The union and hospital began negotiations in early February.  The nurses’ contract expired in early March.  Bargaining continues with four dates scheduled this month.