Nurses picket rehab center

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.sunherald.com/201/story/499789.html

Posted on Fri, Apr. 18, 2008

By KAREN NELSON
[e-mail]

PASCAGOULA --
Six women walked in front of Singing River Rehab and Nursing Center along busy Mississippi 613 on Thursday afternoon carrying signs that said, "We care for the loved ones, please care for us" and "Workers need a contract."

The picket line went up at 4 p.m. and by 4:30 there was more support on the way. People in passing cars waved, honked and gave the thumbs-up sign.

The 26 nurses, LPNs and RNs, who work at the 155-bed center are represented by the I.B.E.W. union. Spokesman Jim Couch said the company would not negotiate on any of the 10 points the nurses brought to the table for consideration, with major areas of concern being pay increases over the next three years and a swing shift that keeps them from having more than one weekend a month off.

This is informational, said Couch. This is not a strike. There will be no work stoppage and the nurses will continue to care for the patients, even without a contract.

He said the picket is a way to bring public opinion to bear on the issue and hopefully put some pressure on the company, Delta Health Group of Pensacola, which has owned the home since the 1980s.

Lucy Davison, an LPN who has worked at the home for 24 years, said, "We're willing to hang out here for the long haul - as long as it takes to get something.

FULL story at link.

[midnight]

1. Support our Nurses and give them a contract.