Registered nurses and technicians at Down East Community Hospital (DECH) in Machias, who are members of the Maine State Nurses Association, notified their employer that they will hold a strike for two days, starting at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30 to protest the administration’s refusal to address their deep concerns about recruitment and retention.
I'll be there to show my support of the nurses! Will you?Click here to sign up to walk the picket line with these brave nurses and techs standing up for patient care. And if you can't be there you can leave a message of support!
Who: Registered nurses and technicians at Down East Community Hospital
What: Two-day strike for patient safety and a fair contract
When: Tuesday, April 30, 7 a.m. to Thursday, May 2, 6:59 a.m.
Where: DECH, 11 Hospital Dr., Machias (across the street from the hospital entrance)
DECH nurses and technicians have been negotiating since September 2023 for a new contract. Their contracts expired on Oct. 18, 2023. While progress has been made in some areas, key issues remain. The RNs urge management to invest in nurses and technicians and agree to a fair contract prioritizing workers from the community over temporary workers from out of town.
The community support for nurses and techs has been tremendous. For a taste of it see the comments on the hospital's Facebook page!
Can't make it to Machias? You can use the same link to send a message of support to the workers who will be on strike! Click here: https://forms.gle/4ZJ7HKMjFkcoMShf7