Nurses deserve the community's support

Last August, the nurses at Bonner General Hospital, by majority vote, approved union representation to negotiate a contract with the BGH management. I was hoping that our nurses would be celebrating their first-time contract by now. One would think that a year is more than enough time to complete a contract.

This August, they placed a full-page ad in the Bonner County Daily Bee asking for community support for "fair, just and professional treatment," and that a reasonable contract be completed in a timely manner. Having talked with nurses on the negotiating team, it is my impression that these bright, articulate and dedicated professionals are anxious to wrap up the negotiations, and that they wouldn't place an ad in the Bee without serious and due consideration.

It has taken courage and commitment to their patients and profession for these nurses to band together to have union representation. It is a reflection off the bright gem of democracy that our nurses desire input to patient safety and working conditions. As their ad states, if you wish to support our nurses, send a note addressed to the hospital with attention to board members and the chief executive office, urging them to expedite the negotiations.

PHILIP A. DEUTCHMAN

Sandpoint