Diedre Murch, MNA
517.349.5640, ext. 220
517.449.7316

or

Ann Kettering Sincox, MNA
517.349.5640, ext. 242
517.256.2312 (cell), ann.sincox@minurses.org

July 13, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HACKLEY VISITING NURSE SERVICES AND HOSPICE, INC. SELECTS MICHIGAN NURSES ASSOCIATION FOR REPRESENTATION 

Muskegon, MI – The registered nurses at the Hackley Visiting Nurse Services & Hospice, Inc. voted on Friday, July 10 to have the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) serve as their certified bargaining agent. 

“We are looking forward to promoting nursing services in the West Michigan area by ensuring that front-line nurses are an integral voice in the decisions that affect patient care,” said Holly Sprick, RN. “The MNA offers the VNS nurses the expertise and guidance to help advocate for effective change.”

“We are pleased to have received positive support from our nursing staff and the community, despite the rigorous opposition to our Union campaign by the Employer,” said Kathy Welsheimer, RN.  “Our goal is to work cooperatively with Trinity Health Homecare Services and the management at HVNS to benefit our patients and our staff. It is our hope that THHS and HVNS share the same goal.”
           
The Michigan Nurses Association supports the Employee Free Choice Act which would remove obstacles that workers encountered at Hackley VNS & Hospice, Inc. when trying to organize a union.
           
“The nurses have taken a bold step in making sure their voice is heard when decisions are made at Hackley VNS & Hospice, Inc. We look forward to working with them as they address the direction of nursing and patient care within their organization,” said Michigan Nurses Association President Diane Goddeeris, RN.
           
The registered nurses will be voting on bylaws and identifying bargaining team members in the near future.