Contact:
Ann Kettering Sincox
517.349.5640 ext. 242 or 517.256-2312 (cell)
ann.sincox@minurses.org

or

Flo Baerren, MNA
517.349.5640, ext. 218 or (cell) 517.256.2311
flo.baerren@minurses.org

April 11, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washtenaw County RNs retain retiree health benefits

Okemos, MI – The Unit I and Unit II registered nurses at the Washtenaw County Public Health Department, represented by the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA), have ratified a three year contract which includes retiree health benefit coverage. As part of the negotiations, current employees will continue to receive full retiree health care benefits at no cost with new employees contributing 5% to a health care fund. In a time where health care costs are escalating, the registered nurses will not have any health insurance premium co-pay and 0 co-pay on generic prescription drugs ($30 on brand name prescriptions). In addition, the nurses will have full dental coverage. 

The nurses will see a change in having the defined contribution plan move to a defined benefit plan, with up to four different ways to choose how their benefit is received.

“With the nursing shortage and the cuts being felt by public health departments across the state, having excellent health care benefits and retiree health benefit coverage will make a significant difference in the retention and recruitment of nurses,” said Flo Baerren, MNA Labor Representative.

In addition, reclassifications will take place in both Unit I and Unit II.  The nurses will receive a 3% salary increase in the third year of the contract.