Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center Receives Strike Notice from MSNA/NNU

Date: 03/13/2026

Maine State Nurses Association/ National Nurses United has notified Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center that it plans to strike against the hospital on March 23, 2026.

“The medical center provided the Union a very strong offer that recognizes and supports our nurses with direct investments in very competitive wages, benefits, and training and continues to support high quality care for our patients. We believe our nurses should have the opportunity to review and vote on this offer prior to the Union carrying out a strike on the medical center. While we hope the Union will give their membership this chance, EMMC is prepared to continue providing care and services for our patients. We will have highly qualified replacement nurses working alongside EMMC staff to provide the high level of care our patients expect,” says Ava Collins, MHS, FACHE, president, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center.

The medical center is required to make a multi-day commitment to secure the temporary replacement nurses, which means they will be working at the hospital for three days beginning March 23. Having the replacement nurses here for more than one day also helps minimize disruption for patients.

“Although strikes are a common Union event, it’s always disheartening when this national tactic hits close to home. We value our nurses and are proud of the care we provide for our communities. We will continue to have discussion with the Union with a focus on coming to a fair and reasonable contract,” adds Collins.

Throughout the strike we will keep the community informed at northernlighthealth.org/nurse-Negotiation-Updates-2026