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Hibbing Nurses Authorize Strike

HIBBING, Minn. (AP) -- Nurses at Range Regional Health Services in Hibbing have voted to authorize their union to strike.

The Minnesota Nurses Association isn't disclosing the percentages of the vote nor how many of the approximately 150 nurses in the bargaining unit turned out on Friday.

The vote permits the union to call for a strike at any time, though federal labor laws require the hospital be given at least 10 days notice.

The two sides have been negotiating for nearly nine months. The union says the main sticking points have been staffing levels, scheduling and a management proposal that lumps sick days and vacation days together.

Range Regional spokesman Mitch Vincent has said the company believes it has a fair and reasonable offer on the table that address the union's concerns.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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