The Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) is calling on the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners to order an independent investigation into Medical Director Dr. Remington Nevin and pause further consideration of a proposed new contract, citing concerns over his leadership.
The union, which represents St. Clair County Health Department nurses, announced July 21 that its members plan to address commissioners during public comment at the regular Board of Commissioners meeting Thursday, July 23.
In a July 21 news release, the MNA said its members will ask commissioners to:
“We’re asking the board of commissioners to do what their own county officials recommended, which is to launch an independent, impartial investigation of the Medical Director’s conduct,” Jessica Baker, a St. Clair County public health nurse and president of the local MNA bargaining unit, said in the release.
“Nurses want a workplace environment where we can focus on keeping our community safe and healthy, not live in fear of ridicule or retaliation. This isn’t personal, and it isn’t political – it’s about enabling us as nurses to do our jobs and it’s about serving the best interests of public health.”
The union’s announcement cites a county investigation into complaints involving Nevin. A Nov. 26, 2024, Human Resources investigative report concluded the work environment had become “toxic” and described repeated concerns about staff treatment and safety practices.
In a Dec. 2, 2024, memo, the county’s Hotline Review Committee urged the Board of Commissioners to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the employee complaints.
The union also referenced an ongoing state investigation into a retaliation complaint against Nevin stemming from an unfair labor practice charge filed by the MNA with the Michigan Employment Relations Commission.
The nurses’ request comes as county officials continue discussions on a proposed new employment contract for Nevin. His current contract automatically renewed for an additional three-year term in June 2026 under its existing terms, and any newly negotiated agreement would replace it if approved.
The proposed contract failed to advance from the Board of Commissioners’ Human Services Committee on July 2 and is expected to return to that committee Aug. 6 for further discussion.
In addition to speaking before commissioners July 23, the MNA has launched an online petition urging residents to ask the Board of Commissioners to order an independent investigation, pause consideration of a proposed contract for Nevin and halt reductions to Health Department programs until those decisions can be reviewed.
The Times Herald requested comment from the St. Clair County Health Department and St. Clair County Administrator/Controller Thomas Hull. Health Department spokesperson Lauren Kriewall referred questions to county administration. Hull and county administration did not responded before publication deadline.
The St. Clair County Board of Commissioners holds committee meetings on the first Thursday of each month and full board meetings on the third Thursday, both beginning at 6 p.m.
Meetings are held in the County Administration Building, 200 Grand River Ave., Port Huron, and are livestreamed on the county’s YouTube channel.
Contact reporter Andy Jeffrey at ajeffrey@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Union-backed nurses urge commissioners to investigate Nevin
Reporting by Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald / Port Huron Times Herald
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By Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald | USA TODAY Network
