15 CMMC Nurses Fired Ahead of Union Vote

Central Maine Healthcare and its new California-based owner, Prime Healthcare, have fired another nurse as employees prepare for a union vote later this week.

According to WGME, since last week, 15 nurses have been fired and five others suspended, according to National Nurses United. The union says the disciplinary actions are part of a broader pattern of Prime Healthcare targeting nurses who advocate for patients and support union organizing.

Central Maine Medical Center disputes that claim.

In a statement, CMMC said the employment actions were based on “documented violations including patient abandonment; timekeeping violations; disruption of patient care; and other conduct that interferes with patient care or patient safety.”

The hospital also said, “No employee has been suspended or terminated because of union activity or for exercising protected rights.”

Some CMMC patients say they are concerned about the firings.

“It really kind of smacks of, ‘You didn’t get in line, so you’re done,’” patient Bob Quigley said.

Patient Sheila Andrei also questioned the decision.

“These nurses are lifesaving. They help people,” Andrei said. “I don’t even understand why they’re getting rid of them.”

Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline has called for all 20 nurses to be reinstated and has voiced support for their effort to unionize.

“This is clearly an illegal, retaliatory campaign against the nurses’ right to organize and unionize,” Sheline said. “I’ve talked to many nurses over the last few days, and what’s happening is heartbreaking for them, the community and the patients.”

Nurses say morale inside the hospital is mixed.

CBS13 asked CMMC how losing at least 20 nurses to firings and suspensions could affect hospital operations. The hospital did not directly answer the question, but said in a statement that its focus remains on caring for patients and supporting its care teams.

Quigley said the dispute raises broader concerns about working conditions at the hospital.

“Something drove them wanting to unionize,” he said. “And that’s because they don’t feel that they can give the proper care to their patients. And losing them just exacerbates that issue.”

CMMC nurses are scheduled to vote Thursday on whether to form a union.

National Nurses United says it also plans to file federal charges under the National Labor Relations Act against Prime Healthcare in an effort to have the fired and suspended nurses reinstated.