UPDATE: Michigan Medicine and Union Reach Critical MOU, Averting Strike

A potential strike at Michigan Medicine was averted after the hospital and the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals (UMMAP) reached a memorandum of understanding. The MOU marks progress toward a contractual agreement, preventing the strike that was scheduled for today. UMMAP, which represents around 4,500 healthcare workers across various departments, has raised concerns over compensation, cost of living adjustments, and training, among other issues, as reported by

FOX 2 Detroit

.

“This critical step reflects both UMMAP and U-M Health’s dedication to caring for our patients and serving our community,” Jovita Thomas-Williams, chief human resources officer for Michigan Medicine, commented in a joint statement. Although a final agreement has not been reached, recent developments indicate that both parties aim to work toward a tentative agreement in the coming two weeks, according to a

ClickOnDetroit

report. Tensions had increased after 97% of UMMAP workers voted in favor of a strike last month, with union President Penni Toney highlighting concerns over unresolved issues related to pay and respect.

With the threat of a strike averted, the UMMAP bargaining team has expressed their intention to work collaboratively toward reaching a fair and equitable collective bargaining agreement, “Our members are the embodiment of the Michigan Difference and we remain committed to our patients and community by continuing to provide outstanding patient care that our patients deserve,” Toney told

Detroit Free Press

. The union’s primary concerns include better staffing levels, pay equity with wage increases, fair scheduling, and improved benefits.

This marks the second time in the past month that a unionized worker strike at U-M Health has been avoided, following a similar outcome with Service Employees International Union Healthcare Michigan in October. Meanwhile, the Professional Employee Council of Sparrow Hospital-Michigan Nurses Association (PECSH-MNA), which represents about 2,000 employees, is planning an informational picket as they continue to negotiate their first contract with U-M Health since its acquisition. The negotiations involve topics such as wages, healthcare costs, and workplace safety, as reported by the

Detroit Free Press

.

Across Michigan’s healthcare systems, labor movements are gaining traction, with around 9,600 registered nurses at Corewell Health set to vote on unionizing with the Teamsters. These efforts are centered around concerns related to staffing levels, job security, wages, and benefits, which continue to shape negotiations and potential union actions across the state.

Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!