St. Alexius Nurses Vote To Unionize

The nurses at Bismarck's oldest hospital have voted to unionize.

The Bismarck Tribune reports the nurses at CHI/St. Alexius voted this week by an "overwhelming majority" to unionize under the aegis of the Minnesota Nurses Association, and labor organization representing over twenty thousand nurses across four Midwestern states.

"MNA members welcome St. Alexius nurses to our union family," said MNA President Mary C. Turner in a statement. "We are excited to assist them as they take their seat at the table and have a say in their workplace."

St. Alexius HR Vice President Ellen Holt issued this statement:

"While we would have preferred a different outcome that allowed us to maintain our direct working relationship with our nurses, CHI St. Alexius Health remains dedicated to our mission as a healing ministry. We will continue to provide exceptional care to the patients and communities we serve."

The Nurses now begin the process of electing officers and initiating negotiations for a first contract

[Sources: Bismarck Tribune, NBC North Dakota News]