Chelsea Hospital Nurses Win Their Union With MNA

RNs at Trinity Chelsea Hospital are celebrating the official certification of their vote to form a union with MNA

CHELSEA, MI — Registered nurses at Trinity Chelsea Hospital are celebrating the official certification of their vote to form their union with the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA).

The newly certified MNA bargaining unit represents approximately 330 registered nurses at Chelsea Hospital. With certification finalized, hospital leadership is now legally required to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with the nurses.

"This is a historic moment for Chelsea Hospital nurses and the entire community," said Kindra Weid, RN at Chelsea Hospital. "We organized because corporate healthcare priorities are making it harder to provide the level of care our patients and community deserve. Winning our union gives us a real, legally protected voice to advocate for safer staffing ratios, fair compensation, and the working conditions necessary to retain experienced nurses."

Throughout their organizing campaign, nurses faced anti-union tactics and management interference, leading MNA to file unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Despite these obstacles, nurses remained united and were encouraged by widespread community support.

"We were deeply moved by the outpouring of support from our neighbors, local business owners, and community leaders," said Connor Williams, RN at Chelsea Hospital. "When nurses have a strong voice in patient care, the whole community benefits. We built this union together, and this victory belongs to everyone who stood with us."

Chelsea Hospital nurses now join 14,000 MNA members across the state.

"The determination of the Chelsea nurses in the face of corporate pressure has been inspiring," said Aaron McCormick, RN, President of the Michigan Nurses Association. "These nurses stood strong for their community, their patients, their colleagues, and their profession. MNA is proud to welcome them into our union family, and we are fully prepared to support them as they move forward to negotiate a strong first contract."

Nurses are currently surveying their bargaining unit to set priorities and elect a bargaining team to represent them at the negotiating table with Trinity Health management.

The NLRB conducted the election on May 19 and 20 and officially certified the vote on September 2.

The Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) is the largest union and professional association for registered nurses and healthcare professionals in Michigan. MNA is an affiliate of National Nurses United and the AFL-CIO.
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