Michigan hospital nurses reach tentative agreement after ‘practice strike’ 

Nurses at UP Health System-Marquette, who are represented by the Michigan Nurses Association, have reached a tentative labor contract on Aug. 24.

The nurses’ tentative agreement follows an Aug. 18 “practice strike” by union members.

According to a joint news release, the deal includes guaranteed wage increases of 18.75% over four years; a new joint committee of hospital representatives and union nurses to address staffing issues; inclusion of staffing in the union’s grievance process; and continuation of union members’ current health insurance.

“We are proud of our union solidarity that brought us to the point of reaching a tentative agreement that we can unanimously recommend to our members,” Christina Hanson, RN, said in the release. “The community’s outpouring of support lifted us up as we focused on making our local hospital even better. We achieved our priorities of competitive wages to attract and retain nurses, as well as strong new staffing language to protect patients.”

The union represents about 600 registered nurses and techs at the 222-bed specialty care hospital, according to the MNA. UP Health System-Marquette, part of Brentwood, Tenn.-based Lifepoint Health, has more than 1,800 employees total.

Union members had been negotiating with the hospital over two separate contracts, according to the union. Nurses began bargaining March 18, and techs began bargaining March 19.

“Our nurses play an incredibly vital role in the delivery of healthcare at our hospital, so we could not be more pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that meets the collective needs of our staff, the hospital and the community,” Tonya Darner, market CEO of UPHS-Marquette and Ishpeming, Mich.-based UPHS-Bell, said in the release. “Together, we created a tentative agreement where our partnership can flourish, fostering an environment that values collaboration and enhances the quality of care for our community. We are grateful to everyone involved for their dedication to reaching a positive outcome.”

The nurses’ tentative contract agreement must still be ratified before it is final. Tech union members are scheduled to continue bargaining in early September. 

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