Hibbing Nurses Set 3-Day Strike

HIBBING, Minn. (AP) -- Nurses have scheduled a three-day strike next month at the Range Regional Health Services hospital in Hibbing.

The Minnesota Nurses Association says nurses Friday delivered to management their 10-day intent-to-strike notice, as required by federal labor laws.

The strike is set to begin at 7 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, and end at 7 a.m. Saturday, May 7. It would involve about 150 nurses.

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.

Another negotiating session is scheduled for next Thursday.

Range Regional spokesman Mitch Vincent says he's honoring the mediator's request that the two sides not speak to the media until after that meeting.

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