Techs at UPHS-Marquette ratify new contract

MAST members thank community for their support

MARQUETTE – UPHS-Marquette techs have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new union contract that will cover the next four years and three months. Marquette Ancillary Staff and Technologists (MAST) members approved the contract in all-day voting that ended late Thursday (Sept. 11).

The contract includes wage increases of 18.75 percent over the course of the contract to improve staff recruitment and retention, a move to the same health insurance that the hospital’s nurses receive, and other improvements.

“Through the solidarity of our union and the support of our community, we were able to achieve a strong contract that will hopefully bring more techs to work at the hospital and to stay working here, which will translate to better care for patients,” said Josh Bowman, a medical laboratory scientist at the hospital, MAST president, and an MNA board member. “We appreciate the amazing community support over these months of bargaining. This contract moves UPHS-Marquette techs forward in a way that everyone can feel proud of.”

Both MAST and the RNs at the hospital had been bargaining with UPHS since March. The two unions are part of the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA). The RNs ratified their contract on Sept. 5.

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