LEWISTON (WGME) — Nurses at Central Maine Medical Center are set to decide whether or not to unionize.
The high-stakes vote comes just days after 20 nurses were suddenly fired or suspended.
If Thursday night’s vote passes, CMMC nurses will officially join the Maine State Nurses Association, gaining the leverage of a union that represents more than 4,000 healthcare workers across the state.
But the atmosphere leading up to Thursday night’s ballot has been tense.
Hospital officials confirm that 15 nurses have been fired and five suspended over the last week.
CMMC’s parent company, Prime Healthcare, insists the discipline was strictly for code of conduct violations, rather than retaliation.
However, federal lawmakers are already stepping in.
Wednesday, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree sharply criticized the hospital’s actions, labeling them as “illegal union busting.”
Union organizers confirm they intend to move forward with unfair labor practice charges against Prime Healthcare, no matter the election’s outcome.
Meanwhile Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline issued a statement Thursday showing solidarity.
“The entire Lewiston community is proud to stand behind the nurses at CMMC and their right to unionize.”
Voting has been underway all day.
Results are expected to be announced around 9:30 p.m. Thursday.