A plan to organize a union is taking shape at St. Mary’s and Dean-SSM health clinics.
Nurses at both clinics announced the move on April 30, according to a WKOW report.
SSM nurses are working with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) to navigate the unionization process. SEIU represents health care workers, including some at Meriter Hospital.
According to an open letter from the nurses, hundreds of nurses would like more time to spend with patients for care, higher compensation, new staffing models and more.
SSM Health released a statement calling the formation of a union “unnecessary.”
“SSM Health respects the right of its employees to make a free and informed choice as to whether or not they wish to be represented by a union,” part of the statement read. “However, we believe it is unnecessary and would get between the direct, open and cooperative relationship we have established with our team.”
