Rep. Dennis offered the following concurrent resolution:

            House Concurrent Resolution No. 31.

            A concurrent resolution to express support for the findings of the Northern Michigan Hospital blue ribbon panel regarding the longstanding labor dispute.

            Whereas, On November 14, 2002, nurses at Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey went on strike.  Since that time, this dispute has become the longest nurses' strike in the country.  Because of the length of this dispute and the role that this facility plays in community life, the Governor established a blue ribbon panel to seek a solution and fair end to this standoff; and

            Whereas, The blue ribbon panel on Northern Michigan Hospital has issued its recommendations and findings.  Based on extensive interaction with area residents and parties directly involved, the panel found that the dispute has had a deleterious impact on the region and on the hospital's fiscal stability; and

            Whereas, The study panel articulated the divisive impact the past year has had on the entire community and stated that this frustrating and costly situation can only be resolved by bringing the parties back to the bargaining table.  One of the key recommendations calls for the parties to reengage in talks, with assistance from mediators from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and the Bureau of Employment Relations within the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services.  The panel urges that, if the parties are not able to resolve differences within 30 days, both parties should consent to binding arbitration.  Clearly, the continuation of this damaging dispute would only bring more harm to the people and businesses of the Petoskey region; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we express support for the findings of the Northern Michigan Hospital blue ribbon panel regarding the longstanding labor dispute; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to representatives of both parties in the Northern Michigan Hospital labor dispute.