Petition Signed by More Than 80 percent of St. Vincent Nurses

The delegation, Karen Peete RN, Karen Spring RN, Mary Potty RN, Mike Mulally RN, Toni Reno RN, Chris Benoit RN, Marie Ritacco RN, Carolyn Moore RN, and Carl Wilson RN preparing to deliver the St. Vincent Nurses’ petition, were filmed by Channel 3 Worcester News Tonight outside the hospital on Dec. 19

Karen Peete, RN and Karen Spring, RN lead a delegation of St. Vincent nurses to the office of CEO John Smithhisler intending to deliver our petition, signed by more than 80 percent of our bargaining unit. They were accompanied by Mary Potty, RN, 21 South, Mike Mulally, RN, OR, Marie Ritacco, RN, PACU, Carolyn Moore, RN, GI Lab, Toni Reno, RN, PACU, Carl Wilson, RN, GI Lab, Chris Benoit, RN, 33 South. The delegation is disappointed to report that Smithhisler refused to meet with them for even the few minutes it would take to deliver the petition. The delegation waited several minutes for a response only to learn that Smithhisler would not excuse himself from his meeting. When asked if the nurses wanted to leave the petition with his secretary, the nurses declined and an appointment will be made so that the petition can be delivered in person. A copy of the petition will also be delivered to CNO Mary Brunelle.

Channel 3’s Worcester News Tonight covered and televised the attempted delivery. Marlena Pellegrino, RN was also interviewed for WTAG News Radio regarding the petition delivery and contract negotiations and was broadcast several times throughout the day on December 19. An article also appeared in the Worcester Telegram and Gazette on December 19.