Munson Nurses to Hold Practice Strike April 9

RNs are fighting for a fair contract that will support nurses and protect patients

TRAVERSE CITY – Munson Medical Center registered nurses, currently working without a contract, will hold a practice strike on the sidewalk outside the hospital from 4:30 pm to 6:15 pm Thursday, April 9. 

The practice strike is not a work stoppage; all nurses will be participating on their own time.

“While our team remains committed to bargaining in good faith to reach a fair contract, it’s clear that Munson management is not taking nurses’ concerns about safe staffing, nurse retention and AI guardrails seriously,” said Laura Nilsson, RN, president of the Traverse City Munson Nurses Association (TCMNA).

“It’s hard to make progress when Munson keeps rejecting the constructive proposals that nurses are bringing forward at the table," Nilsson said. "A practice strike is our way of sending a clear message that nurses won’t settle for a contract that fails to support nurses and protect patients.”

Nurses announced the practice strike at a standing-room-only community town hall they hosted tonight (Thursday, March 26) in Traverse City. Munson nurses have been working without a contract since it expired March 10. 

The two sides remain far apart on nurses’ priorities of safe RN staffing, retaining experienced nurses, and ensuring that skilled RNs – not AI algorithms – drive patient care. 

“We are so grateful for the support of our community, as demonstrated by the strong turnout at the town hall,” said James Walker, RN, co-chair of the union’s bargaining team. “Munson nurses want our hospital to provide excellent, safe care for every patient. We’re standing strong for a contract that will make changes necessary so we can provide the care that our community deserves.”

The TCMNA practice strike is part of MNA's Week of Action (April 8-April 15), during which MNA nurses at hospitals around the state will take collective action to advocate for fair contracts in recognition of the fact that nurses' work conditions are patients' care conditions. Details on those events will be released soon.

The Traverse City Munson Nurses Association (TCMNA) is a local bargaining unit of the Michigan Nurses Association, the largest union and professional association representing registered nurses and healthcare professionals in Michigan. MNA is an affiliate of National Nurses United and the AFL-CIO.
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