Union nurses and the University of Michigan announced Saturday that they have signed an agreement in principle for a three-year contract after months of negotiations.(Photo: Carlos Osorio, AP)

Ann Arbor – Union nurses and the University of Michigan announced Saturday that they have reached a tentative agreement on a three-year contract after months of negotiations.

The details of the agreement will be discussed at future members' meetings and the nurses will have the final say through a ratification vote, said Katie Oppenheim, nurse and president of the Michigan Nurses Association.

"Our negotiating team is recommending this agreement as it will allow nurses to continue to provide world-class care. We are proud of our nurses and their continued dedication to patients, "she said.

Nurses must schedule a ratification vote in the coming weeks.

Last week, the union representing more than 4,000 nurses at UM authorized a work stoppage of up to three days, alleging violations of their rights in the workplace. Ninety-four percent of the U-M nurses voted in favor of this work stoppage.

Oppenheim, at the time, said it hoped to reach a fair agreement "that respects the nurses and guarantees the safety of the staff." The University can remedy this situation immediately by putting an end to their unfair labor practices and by negotiating in good faith ".

The union has laid accusations of unfair labor practices with the State Labor Relations Board and claims that the university has not negotiated the conditions of employment in good faith , modified work schedules without bargaining with the union and discriminated against members of the union.

After the expiry of the union contract on June 30, the university offered nurses a contract providing for general increases of at least 3% and six weeks of paid leave for physiological recovery after birth. and six weeks of paid leave after birth, adoption or foster care, but required nurses a reduction in retirement benefits and other concessions during the negotiation of A new contract, union officials said.

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement in principle with our Nurses Union, and finding a solution is the best possible outcome for the employees of our hospitals, our patients and our community," said David Spahlinger. President of the Health System of the University of Michigan. Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs of the UM Medical School.

"We all value our patients and our top priority is to ensure that our patients receive the highest quality of care. We know that families and patients choose Michigan Medicine because of our dedicated teams of faculty and staff, including our excellent nurses. We are looking forward to going forward together.

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