Nearly 4,000 nurses allow strike at the University of Michigan

U-M regent "dismayed", qualifies the report of Free Press of blatant excess

Michigan Medicine, which oversees U-M hospitals, issued a statement condemning the strike vote.

Mary Masson, a spokeswoman for Michigan Medicine, said, "We are disappointed that our UMPNC nurses voted to approve a strike, we have been negotiating in good faith since January and have offered a competitive package."

The nurses dispute this characterization, claiming that the president of the U-M health system, David Spahlinger, has publicly stated that U-M was "committed to maintaining the current workforce," as the university refused to make this commitment in writing. According to the union, this is an illegal bait tactic.

Masson also pointed out that "because it's illegal for public sector employees to go on strike, Michigan Medicine will take legal action to avoid a strike."

According to Masson, a strike could also put patients at risk. "Nurses are essential to providing safe care to patients and the most seriously ill patients in the state come to Michigan Medicine," she said.

However, Michigan Medicine is preparing a "full business continuity plan (…) in the event of a strike, which will include the recruitment and training of temporary nurses to replace absent employees, postponement and reprogramming of certain procedures. and the adjustment of staff schedules. necessary, "said Masson.

"Michigan Medicine remains committed to patient safety in all union activities and will do its utmost to maintain the highest quality of care during a strike."

Katie Oppenheim, who chairs the union, said in a statement that the strike is not the union's goal.

"Our goal is a fair agreement that respects the nurses and guarantees a secure staffing, the university can remedy this situation immediately, by putting an end to their unfair practices and by negotiating in good faith," he said. she said.

According to a statement, the union has three main complaints. The nurses believe that the U-M is not negotiating in good faith, changing shifts without informing or negotiating with the union, and discriminating against union members. The union has also filed several charges of unfair labor practices against the university with the Michigan Labor Relations Board.

The current Michigan Medicine offer involves salary increases of at least three percent "and a competitive maternal / parental leave program including six weeks of paid leave for a physiological salvage of a child's birth. child and six weeks of paid leave, parental leave to employees after a birth, adoption or placement in foster care and guardianship, "Mason said.

Despite the conflict, nurses and the university emphasize their willingness to hear and avoid a strike.

"We have had a productive relationship for many years and the work of our members has allowed UM's health system to grow and win the best national and national rankings, and for now we must stop violating our rights. a fair deal, with safe patient care as our top priority, "said Anne Jackson, RN and union member.

"We are ready to continue negotiations with the UMPNC and look forward to resolving the contract negotiations," said Masson.

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