Administrators at Down East Community Hospital in Machias, Maine, and the Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses United union have been unable to agree on a new contract, according to a Bangor Daily News report.
The nurses' union represents approximately 60 nurses and technical employees who have been working at the hospital without a contract since January. Administrators and the nurses' union have been negotiating since November and are now discussing possible contract terms with a federal mediator, according to the report.
Hospital leaders argue its proposal to increase salaries for nurses and technical staff by 11 and 8.5 percent over three years is "generous" and more than the agreed-upon salary increases for nurses at other area hospitals. Meanwhile, the nurses' union contends proposed staffing levels would negatively impact patient safety.
The nurses' union and hospital leaders will meet for another negotiating session in March.
The nurses' union represents approximately 60 nurses and technical employees who have been working at the hospital without a contract since January. Administrators and the nurses' union have been negotiating since November and are now discussing possible contract terms with a federal mediator, according to the report.
Hospital leaders argue its proposal to increase salaries for nurses and technical staff by 11 and 8.5 percent over three years is "generous" and more than the agreed-upon salary increases for nurses at other area hospitals. Meanwhile, the nurses' union contends proposed staffing levels would negatively impact patient safety.
The nurses' union and hospital leaders will meet for another negotiating session in March.
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