Members of UFCW Local 222 who are nurses currently bargaining with MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa, are working hard to engage their patients and community members about why a better contract for nurses means better care for their community. A community-wide town hall was standing room only as nurses recently explained how time off with their families, better pay, and better nurse-to-patient ratios benefit everyone.
“Our nurses are overworked and underpaid and that’s not what you need when your loved one is sick,” said Alyssa Rusch, an emergency room nurse and member of UFCW Local 222. “Good pay keeps turnover down so that we can build experienced teams and work together better. Time off lets us rest so we’re sharp on the job. And staffing ratios ensure that there are enough caregivers for every patient that comes through the door.”
In addition to the meeting, nurses have organized community support through a Facebook group and using the International’s mass texting tool to sign community members on to a petition to help them get a new contract.