Upper Peninsula nurses unite against cuts by Aspirus

Submitted by ADonahue on
Nurse outside holding sign "More Nurses = Less Hearses"

By Dawn Kettinger

National Nurse magazine - Oct | Nov | Dec 2025 Issue

Michigan Nurses Association members at three hospitals in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) are united in contract campaigns against an out-of-state corporation.  

Nurses at the three Aspirus hospitals – Ironwood, Iron River, and Keweenaw – are all bargaining for new contracts as of December.  

Wisconsin-based Aspirus has made severe cuts to care at all three sites since coming to Michigan, including ending birthing services at two of the hospitals. U.P. residents already drive lengthy distances for health care, and these cuts are causing delays and safety risks because they must now travel even further.  

Nurses at all three hospitals have held rallies to increase public pressure and advocate for their communities.  

“Both at the bargaining table and in the community, Aspirus keeps treating U.P. residents and nurses like we just don’t matter,” said Sarah Trudgeon, an RN at Aspirus Ironwood and president of the MNA union there. “We won’t stand by as Aspirus continues to undermine the health and safety of the U.P. residents it’s supposed to serve.”