Local News

Nurses say they are close to reaching deal with Bozeman hospital

Posted: Feb 21, 2013 4:54 PM by Judy Slate
Updated: Feb 21, 2013 4:56 PM

UPDATE: BOZEMAN - Nurses at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital tell us they are closer to reaching a deal with management.

Nurses hit the streets earlier this week for what they called an "informational picket." They've been in contract negotiations with the hospital since September. One of the issues the nurses want addressed in the contract is bullying. They say bulling by supervisors is a problem.. so they want nurses to have recourse if it occurs.

The union members have three sticking points. First, they are asking for benefits for part time nurses that, according to the nurses union, the hospital wants to take away. Second, they say there are inequities on the pay scale. The union says sometimes new hires with the same experience and education as current employees are paid more. The third issue the union wants addressed is bullying.

Hospital officials say they are working with the nurses to solve their differences. Negotiations took place all day Wednesday and since 8:30 a.m. Thursday.