ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Nurses at Mission Hospital, represented by National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU), plan to hold an “informational picket” on Aug. 6 to address their concerns as negotiations between the hospital and the union continue.

A press release from NNU claimed the rally was being held in order to “protest management’s refusal to address RNs’ deep concerns about safe staffing and patient care.” Mission Health has continually refuted these claims of unsafe staffing.

AS STRIKE LOOMS, WEBSITES SET UP TO HELP MISSION NURSES

The release continues to say nurses notified their employer of their intent to hold this informational picket on July 25. Their most recent contract, ratified in 2021, was the nurses’ first union contract and expired on July 2, 2024. Around 1,600 Mission nurses are represented by NNOC/NNU in the bargaining unit covered by the contract. Negotiations between the hospital and the union for a new contract with HCA have been ongoing since April, “with little to no movement on key issues,” according to NNU.

Registered nurse Emma Fitzpatrick previously told 828newsNOW there had been some progress during negotiations with the subject of preventing workplace violence, while other areas were still being worked out such as better wage pay and meal breaks.

“We’ve seen some progress at the table with HCA, but it hasn’t been enough,” Hannah Drummond, RN in the cardiac catheterization lab, said in the press release. “That’s why we’re going to hold this informational picket on August 6 — to let the public, who are our patients, know what we’re fighting for patient care and patient safety in this contract.”

‘NOBODY WANTS STRIKE TO BE THE END GOAL’ NURSE SAYS

As negotiations continue, the possibility of a strike looms. A National Nurses United Communications spokesperson previously explained that at the end of the contract, nurses would legally be able to strike, but that doesn’t mean they will. “Nobody wants the strike to be the end goal,” Fitzpatrick said in early July.

Mission Health officials called a strike “unnecessary, given the serious efforts we have invested in bargaining since mid-April.”

If a strike were to happen, Mission Hospital is prepared and would remain open, HCA Healthcare Division Public and Media Relations Director Nancy Lindell said in late June.

“We are thankful to be part of HCA Healthcare which has resources to support our patients’ needs. We have taken proactive measures including contracting with fully qualified, licensed, and certified nursing staff who can provide high-quality care to the communities we serve,” she said. “Our commitment to exceptional patient care and safety will not be compromised as the region’s destination for advanced clinical services.”

CLOCK TICKING ON TALKS TO AVERT NURSES’ STRIKE AT MISSION HOSPITAL

828newsNOW has reached out to Mission Health for comment on the upcoming rally and the ongoing negotiations. This story will be updated with any further information.

  • Who: Registered nurses at Mission Hospital
  • What: Informational picket for safe staffing and patient safety
  • When: Tuesday, Aug. 6, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Where: 509 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, on the corner of Hospital Drive and Biltmore Ave.