State Senator joined with UnityPoint Meriter nurses at a press conference Tuesday advocating for a fair contract.

MADISON - Tuesday, Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) and Democratic colleagues from the State Senate and State Assembly joined with UnityPoint Meriter nurses at a press conference advocating for a fair contract as they head into further contract negotiations this week. Senator Agard released the following statement:

“The UnityPoint Meriter nurses have not chosen the easy path. No one makes the decision to give a strike notification lightly. Inherently, they have chosen a career in nursing because they are caretakers. They ensure our community is healthy and safe, and ensure our family members are cared for during the most challenging times in their lives.

“The fact is, you can’t talk about nurses as “health care heroes” and then treat them as less than that. The commitment, passion, and determination of Wisconsin’s nurses has never been more clear. Everyday, they advocate for their patients and now they are simply advocating for themselves. To every nurse at UnityPoint Meriter, I honor your sacrifice, I understand the value in the work that you do, and I will stand shoulder to shoulder with you throughout these contract negotiations until you get a fair deal.

“Everything the UnityPoint Meriter nurses are calling for is what each of us would expect from a job including: a safe work environment, fair compensation, and work-life balance. They are simply asking for a fair deal so they can take care of themselves and their families.”