Strike authorization will remain in effect

The following statement is from Jeff Breslin, RN, president of the Professional Employee Council of Sparrow Hospital-Michigan Nurses Association (PECSH-MNA), which represents nearly 2,000 nurses and healthcare professionals at the University of Michigan-Sparrow. The union has been negotiating since August for a new contract; the contract expired on Oct. 30.

“The parties bargained three days this week and while we saw some movement from the employer on secondary issues, we remain far apart on the main priorities for our members: competitive wages, affordable health care, and safety in the workplace. We have mutually agreed to pause bargaining for the holidays, with plans to resume on Jan. 2.

“The strike authorization from our members remains in effect, coming off the nearly unanimous (98.7%) ‘yes’ vote. In the new year, our team will remain committed to continuing to bargain in good faith, while at the same time knowing that our members will not settle for a subpar agreement and are willing to do what it takes to achieve a strong contract.”

PECSH-MNA is part of the Michigan Nurses Association, the largest union and professional association for RNs and healthcare professionals in Michigan and an affiliate of National Nurses United and AFL-CIO.