Ascension Teamsters Nurses Approve Contract, Preventing Strike
Editorial StaffThe Facts -
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- 672 workers, registered nurses at Ascension Michigan, have ratified a collective bargaining agreement.
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- The one-year agreement includes wage increases, bonuses, an improved grievance procedure, and protections from disciplinary actions.
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- Ascension Teamsters can return to the bargaining table with Henry Ford if the joint venture is approved by regulators.
672 Workers Obtain Wage Boost and Strengthened Protections in New Agreement
In a major labor victory, Ascension Michigan registered nurses represented by Teamsters Local 332 ratified a new collective bargaining agreement, preventing a potential strike. The ratified one-year agreement provides significant wage increases, bump-up bonuses, standby bonuses for picking up shifts, enhanced grievance procedures, solid per diem arrangements, and safeguards against disciplinary action.
The agreement extends to Ascension Teamsters during Ascension Michigan's joint venture with Henry Ford Health. It also allows Teamsters to renegotiate with Henry Ford if regulators approve the venture.
“Our dedicated Ascension nurses are crucial to our health care system,” said Local 332 President, Dan Glass. “They're deeply committed to their patients, and now they have an agreement that rewards them for their work. Local 332 is proud to represent this group of nurses, who played a key role in securing this agreement.”
In a show of solidarity, Teamsters authorized a strike on April 3 with a decisive 98 percent majority. The union issued a strike notice to Ascension in mid-May after the previous agreement expired on May 9.
“We were prepared to strike if necessary, but thankfully, it didn't come to that,” said Sarah Engleman, an Ascension registered nurse. “We’re excited about our new contract that addresses our concerns, and we appreciate our union's support in securing it.”
For more information on Teamsters Local 332, a union representing workers in Flint, Michigan since 1933, visit here.
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