FROM DECH Julie Hixson
We are Open and Here to Care for You – Even During a Strike
Machias – The MSNA nursing and technical units at Down East Community Hospital have announced their intention to execute a two-day strike starting at 7am on Tuesday April 30 and ending at 7am on Thursday May 2. This strike will have minimal impact on patient care, but some services will be moved to other days to accommodate patient needs. The only significant impact will be on the OB unit which will be closed and on diversion starting Monday April 29th at 7am and will reopen at 7am on Thursday May 2. Currently, we do not expect this to have an impact on patient care, but we are unfortunately unable to staff this area during the strike. Any union staff who would like to come to work during this strike period would be welcomed.
DECH has made significant increases in wages over the past four years, and we feel competitive in the local market. Our recruitment and retention rates have increased over the past year, and we continue to reinvest in new equipment and education. DECH is coming off two years of declining financial performance and currently are unable to meet the demands of the union. We feel a fair offer has been made, and we made concessions in certain areas of the contract, but unfortunately MSNA has decided to continue their attempts at intimidation, and we feel they are acting in bad faith with this strike.
As an organization we are dedicated to continuing to grow and remain sustainable and independent. In order for us to do this there are going to be times when we are unable to meet the demands of the union. Providing safe care close to home remains a priority for hospital leadership and the board of trustees and we hope to resolve this issue with the MSNA soon and get back to serving the healthcare needs of the community.