Producers/hosts: Meredith DeFrancesco and Amy Browne

Segment 1: EMMC Nurses

Eastern Maine Medical Center nurses have been offered an increase in pay and benefits, in what the hospital is calling it’s “last, best” contract offer. So why would they even consider not accepting? The nurses union is also pushing for a “Professional Practice Committee”. The committee would give the direct care staff a say in issues like staffing ratios that impact patient care, and disputes would be resolved by a 3rd party arbitrator, rather than the higher ranking nurse management. We spoke earlier today with Judy Brown, President of the Nurses Union. She says it’s an issue of the workers having a voice in patient care.

Segment 2: Peace Rally in Bangor

Last Saturday more than 300 people attended a rally in Bangor, calling for peace and for the impeachment of Bush and Cheney. After listening to several speakers and musicians, the crowd spread out along Main Street with signs-and the line stretched all the way from Shaw’s Supermarket to the Paul Bunyan statue and beyond. People in passing cars honked and shouted their support. One of the speakers that day was Mary Alice Horrigan, a mother who lost her son to the war on Iraq. Peace Activist and Professor Doug Allen made these remarks, and introduced the grieving mother.

There will be a National Day of Action-End the War Now Rally on Saturday, October 27th with a New England regional rally taking place at Boston Common that day. Local Peace and Justice groups are organizing buses from Belfast to Boston for the event, as well as coordinating carpools to and from Belfast. Buses will leave Belfast, Saturday morning (October 27th) at 7a.m. and return to Belfast by 8p.m. that evening. Reservations and payment are needed by Monday, October 8th in order to reserve the buses. For more info you can go to peacectr.org, email [email protected] or call Cathy Mink at 338-4920

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Producers/hosts: Amy Browne and Meredith DeFrancesco

Topics: The conclusion of our coverage (on the WERU News Special that aired earlier today) of the event at Congressman Michaud’s Bangor office yesterday. More than 100 people stood in line to deliver statements to the Congressman that he should support the impeachment of Bush and Cheney. (Michaud issued a statement saying that he opposes impeachment proceedings).

Also, a report on a peace rally that will be taking place in Bangor this coming Saturday, at 1p.m. at the Paul Bunyon park; and an interview with songwriter Valerie Orth who will be performing a benefit in the area soon.

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