Recent union contract negotiations between the Michigan Nurses Association and Michigan Medicine have failed. Now, the nurses’ union is calling for a strike.
Debate over the union contract started late last year. This was after Michigan Medicine announced an end to their U-M Health Plan and Michigan Care just days after the Michigan Nurses Association agreed to the insurance plans.
President of Professional Employee Council of Sparrow Hospital - Michigan Nurses Association (PECSH-MNA) Jeff Breslin says the union views the strike as a last resort.
“Our goal is not to strike. Our goal is to get a contract. It always has been and always will be. If we can do that without having to do a work stoppage, that’s what we’re aiming for.”
Besides settling on health coverage for their nurses, Breslin says the union is seeking a contract that includes competitive pay and workplace safety measures.
If agreement is not reached by January 20th, the union will move forward with their strike.
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