U-M health system and nurses union reach tentative contract, avoid strike vote

Registered nurses represented by the Michigan Nurses Association at the University of Michigan have reached a tentative three-year contract with Michigan Medicine, averting a planned strike authorization vote.

The tentative agreement, announced Thursday by both the union and the university, still must be ratified by members of the MNA-University of Michigan Professional Nurse Council, which represents more than 7,200 registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses employed by U-M Health, the clinical organization of Michigan Medicine.

The previous contract expired March 31.

According to the union, the tentative agreement includes an overall 13.25% wage increase over three years, with raises of 4% in the first year, 4.5% in the second and 4.75% in the third. Other provisions include a ratification bonus, improved staffing ratios, stronger workplace violence protections, gains for advanced practice registered nurses centered on full union representation and an end to pre-scheduled patient assignments for charge nurses, providing them more flexibility to oversee patient care and safety.

Union leaders said the deal follows months of bargaining and collective actions, including an informational picket.

“Our success is a testament to not only countless days at the bargaining table, but also to the collective solidarity by MNA-UMPNC members,” Kara Ayotte, president of the MNA-UMPNC said in a press release. “By standing strong together, we showed Michigan Medicine that we would not settle for less than what nurses and patients deserve.”

University officials also praised the agreement.

“We appreciate the dedication and professionalism of both bargaining teams in reaching this tentative agreement,” Julie Ishak, chief nurse and operations executive for Michigan Medicine’s academic medical center, said in an emailed statement. “This agreement aims to support our nurses, strengthen our workforce, and ensure the highest quality care for the patients and families we serve.”

The union said members will vote on ratification in the coming weeks.