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Nurses At Bemidji Hospital Reject Contract Offer

BEMIDJI, Minn. (AP) -- Nurses at a Bemidji hospital have rejected their employer's latest contract offer and have authorized a strike.

The Minnesota Nurses Association represents 230 RNs at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center. The hospital says it's open to further negotiations and will be fully operational during contract talks.

The Bemidji Pioneer reports union chairman Peter Danielson says the nurses need a commitment in writing that the hospital will improve staffing. The union says the hospital's proposed contract is filled with concessions. Nurses and hospital management have been negotiating since April.

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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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