Contact: Cynthia LaFountain, MNA
517/282-5202 or 517/349-5640x18
or 
Carol Feuss, MNA
517/349-5640, ext. 21 or (cell) 517/230-4086

April 20, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jackson County Health Department nurses ratify new three-year contract

Jackson, MI – Registered nurses at the Jackson County Health Department ratified a three-year contract, effective January 1, 2007.

The contract calls for wage increases of at least 4% over the life of the contract.
RNs working in the health department clinics as well as RNs working in the field now have the same salary level. This change, which reflects the increasing complexity of the clinic nurses’ role, made the overall RN salary level more competitive and closer to that of other health departments by elevating their scales.
           
“It was obvious that salaries of the clinic nurses needed to be adjusted. This will help recruit nurses as well as keep the RNs who are currently working in the HD,” said Cindy LaFountain, MNA Labor Representative. “We have been working toward this change over the last few years. This is a great example of the nurses working together to ensure everyone is fairly paid.”
           
The contract also further defines full-time, part-time and casual employees for purposes of benefits and wages.  Any change in status of a position, such as going from part-time to full-time, will be discussed with representatives from the RN union before the position is posted. The practice committees and provisions for continuing nursing education where also reviewed and clarified.
           
RNs retiring from the county will maintain access to healthcare insurance, with some reduction in the employer contribution and RNs hired after 1/1/07 will no longer be eligible for employer-paid spouse health insurance.
           
The Michigan Nurses Association has represented the registered nurses at Jackson County Health Department since 1986.  The Department has 13 registered nurses on staff.

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The Michigan Nurse Association is the largest, most effective union for RNs in Michigan. As the voice of all registered nurses in Michigan, MNA advocates for nurses and their patients at the State Capitol, in the community and at the bargaining table.  MNA is a constituent member of the United American Nurses and the American Nurses Association and an affiliate of the AFL-CIO.

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