Tentative contract deal prevents Michigan Medicine work stoppage

Members of United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals, AFT #6739 and SEIU HCMI members at Michigan Medicine walk a practice picket line. Oct. 7, 2024. Photo by Jon King.

A planned one-day work stoppage set for Tuesday by health care workers at the University of Michigan has been called off after a tentative contract was reached.

SEIU Healthcare Michigan, which represents about 2,700 respiratory therapists, ECMO specialists, phlebotomists, patient care technicians, inpatient unit clerks and clerical staff, said it reached a tentative, three-year agreement with Michigan Medicine late Monday.

“We’re glad and relieved to have reached a tentative agreement with the University that allows workers to move forward and keep their focus on taking care of Michiganders,” said Larry Alcoff, SEIU Healthcare’s deputy trustee. “This state has a proud union history and this agreement with an institution like the University underscores the deep value of the workers who care for our families and neighbors. Our communities are better for it as we gain experienced workers who want to come here and stay here.”

The agreement is a first for the collective bargaining unit, which formed in two stages between July 2023 and March of this year .

Among the union’s demands were wage increases and parity on issues like health insurance with other unionized workers. Terms of the tentative deal were not released.

“This agreement reflects our appreciation for these incredibly valuable members of our team. As always, our goal is to attract and retain the best health care professionals who can provide the high quality care we deliver every day to our patients,” said David Miller, M.D., M.P.H., president of U-M Health. “Both negotiating teams worked tirelessly to reach this agreement, embodying the core values of teamwork, collaboration, caring and integrity that set Michigan Medicine apart as a premier academic medical center.”

SEIU Healthcare Michigan says it will schedule a ratification vote among its members in the coming weeks.

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