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

Spetember 2, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Michigan well represented in new national RN union

Lansing, MI – The Michigan Nurses Association is pleased to announce that two of its Board members, Diane Goddeeris, RN and Carolyn Hietamaki, RN are serving on the interim executive committee of the new National Nurses United union.

National Nurses United is the newly adopted name for the burgeoning 150,000 member national organization for registered nurses. The union is comprised of nurses that are members of the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, United American Nurses and the Massachusetts Nurses Association.

Among its priorities, the NNU will establish a unified legislative program to win critical improvements in patient care and working conditions.  It will set as a goal to organize all non union registered nurses to defend and advance the interests of direct care nurses across the country.  The new superunion will provide a powerful national voice for RNs rights and safe practice, including RN to patient staffing ratios that save lives.

The new union will hold a founding convention December 7-8 in Scottsdale, AZ. All three organizations will have independent meetings prior to December to ratify the decision to form NNU.

The Michigan Nurses 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 an affiliate of the AFL-CIO.