In a significant development for Michigan Medicine, a tentative agreement has been reached with its nursing staff after an intensive 20-hour negotiation marathon. This breakthrough comes just before a membership-wide strike vote was set to commence.
The University of Michigan Professional Nurse Council (UMPNC), representing over 7,000 nurses and advanced practice providers, had been in stalled negotiations since late March. The union had expressed concerns over proposals from hospital management, which included patient-to-nurse ratio increases and wage adjustments to match inflation. The agreement has successfully averted the strike vote initially planned for Monday.
Kara Ayotte, president of the UMPNC, highlighted the impact of recent protests that saw strong participation from union members. “The employer kind of came back to the table and said, ‘Enough is enough, we want to bargain in good faith and get this done,” Ayotte noted, emphasizing the long journey to what she sees as a favorable outcome.
Agreement Highlights
While specifics of the three-year agreement remain confidential, UMPNC reported several key features:
- A total wage increase of 13.25% over the contract period, divided into 4% in the first year, 4.5% in the second, and 4.75% in the third year
- Enhanced workplace violence protections
- Improved staffing ratios
- No pre-scheduled patient assignments for charge registered nurses
- Significant advances for advanced practice registered nurses
- Inclusion of a ratification bonus
Julie Ishak, Michigan Medicine’s chief nurse and operations executive, expressed satisfaction with the agreement in a press release. “We appreciate the dedication and professionalism of both bargaining teams in reaching this tentative agreement,” Ishak stated, emphasizing its role in supporting nurses and ensuring high-quality patient care.
Despite the agreement, three unfair labor practice complaints remain pending against Michigan Medicine. Ayotte suggested that one might be resolved outside formal arbitration processes.
Ayotte attributed the agreement’s strength to member engagement. “It’s not the power of the people at the table, it’s the power of all 7,000 of the membership, and I think this contract reflects that power and that unity,” she commented. She also mentioned that the union regards the contract as the strongest in the state.
The UMPNC plans to hold a ratification vote among its members in the upcoming weeks.
Editor’s note: U of M holds Michigan Public’s broadcast license.
