Chelsea Hospital Nurses Organizing Union, Cite Community Support

Nurses at Chelsea Hospital say they are receiving widespread community support as they organize to form a union ahead of a scheduled vote later this month.

The National Labor Relations Board will conduct an election May 19–20 to determine whether eligible nurses will join the Michigan Nurses Association, the state’s largest union and professional organization for registered nurses and health care workers.

Nurses and supporters point to several recent displays of community backing, including a letter sent to hospital President Ben Miles signed by elected officials, business owners and local leaders. Supporters have also posted signs at local businesses and painted pro-nurse messages on a community rock at Pierce Park.

“We love our hospital and serving this community and now we have an opportunity to have a real voice in the care we provide,” said Kindra Weid, a registered nurse who works in intensive care and diagnostic imaging. She said unionization would allow nurses to advocate for patient safety, improved staffing levels, working conditions, and compensation.

According to organizers, if a majority of voting nurses approve union representation, they would form a local bargaining unit under the Michigan Nurses Association.

The letter addressed to Miles urges hospital management to respect nurses’ legal right to decide on unionization without coercion, intimidation or retaliation. The Michigan Nurses Association has filed unfair labor practice charges with the NLRB, alleging some managers engaged in conduct that may violate federal labor law.

Meanwhile, messages of support have appeared publicly in Chelsea. After a rock at Pierce Park was painted with “Chelsea Nurses United,” it was later covered with gray paint. Community members subsequently repainted it with the message “Chelsea Supports Nurses United.”