Down East hospital nurses will strike this month

Nurses and technicians at Down East Community Hospital will go on strike this month.

The union gave Down East Community Hospital 10-days notice after a nearly unanimous strike pledge, according to the Maine State Nurses Association, which represents about 50 nurses and technicians there.

The two-day strike will start at 7 a.m. on April 30.

That comes as both sides have become bogged down in contentious contract negotiations in recent months. Negotiations began last September, and the nurses and technicians have been working under the conditions of their most recent contract, which expired Oct. 18, 2023.

“Our nurses and technicians care deeply for our tight-knit community. Our patients are family,” said Berta Alley, a registered nurse in the infusion clinic and chief nurse representative and negotiator. “We are calling a strike because management refuses to offer competitive compensation to recruit and retain permanent staff to provide optimal patient care for our community. This hospital had a total gain in net assets of over $17 million between 2020 and 2022, they can invest in staff and keep our nurses and technicians in our community.”

Among the chief issues between the opposing sides include wages, as well as recruitment and retention.

“The Hospital’s offer of a 1 percent increase is so disrespectful,” said Joelle Jackson, a medical lab tech and steward and negotiator. “We are talking about nurses and technicians being able to afford to work at the hospital. That’s why we are fighting for a fair contract — so we can stay here and care for our community.”

Down East Community Hospital told The Maine Monitor in a statement that it doesn’t have the resources of the state’s larger health systems, saying it has been “extremely competitive” in its wages.

“Our focus remains on providing safe, compassionate, and high-quality care to our community,” Down East Community Hospital said in the statement to The Maine Monitor. “While contingency plans are in place to address potential strike action, DECH remains hopeful that a resolution can be reached through open dialogue and negotiation. Patients and their families can be assured that DECH will continue to provide safe, quality healthcare services.”