Gov. Mills calls for the reinstatement of 20 disciplined nurses at CMMC

LEWISTON, Maine (WABI) - Governor Mills is calling for the reinstatement of 20 nurses who were either fired or suspended at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston.

In a letter to the hospital and its parent company, Prime Healthcare Foundation, Mills says not having those nurses puts Mainers at risk of not receiving quality care.

Both the governor and the Maine State Nurses Association argue the disciplinary actions were taken because the nurses are organizing to form a union.

Hospital administrators dispute that claim, saying the nurses were disciplined for violating policies and standards designed to ensure patient safety.

CMMC nurses are scheduled to vote Thursday on whether to unionize.