Watch CBS News

Nurses Plan Informational Picketing In Bemidji

BEMIDJI, Minn. (AP) -- Nurses plan to conduct informational picketing outside a Bemidji hospital where their contract expired nearly six months ago.

Members of the Minnesota Nurses Association gave a 10-day informational picketing notice Friday to officials at Sanford Bemidji hospital.

The picketing is scheduled for Aug. 17 from 3-5 p.m. during Sanford's "Gala Week," a six-day celebration.

The nurses accuse the hospital of refusing to meet with them in a timely manner. Sanford Bemidji Chief Operations Officer Joy Johnson says in a statement Sanford has "made every attempt to negotiate in good faith."

The nurses voted last week to reject Sanford's contract offer and authorize their negotiators to call a strike. The two sides have been negotiating since April. The current contract expired Feb. 28.

The MNA represents 230 nurses at Sanford Bemidji.

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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.