Nurses ask for federal mediator in contract talks

Contract negotiations between a nurses union and Northern Montana Medical Group have been put on hold until a federal mediator can enter the process.

"We got three more tentative agreements and are going to ask for a federal mediator," Raymond Berg, labor relations specialist for the Montana Nurses Association, said today.

The second round of negotiations was held Thursday.

Butte attorney Don Robinson, who is negotiating for the hospital, said a mediator may or may not help the talks.

"It's hard to say what effect the presence of a mediator will have. Hopefully he will be able to help," Robins...