The union represents 2,700 University of Michigan healthcare workers, including respiratory therapists, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation specialists, phlebotomists, patient care technicians, inpatient unit clerks, and clerical staff in clinics and ambulatory care settings, according to an SEIU news release shared with Becker’s. Michigan Medicine, which includes the University of Michigan Health system, has more than 26,000 employees total.
Union members voted to authorize a strike in September following a two-stage unionization, according to the SEIU release. Negotiations began 12 months ago on a first labor contract to cover the bargaining unit. A Michigan Medicine spokesperson told Becker’s in a statement that hospital administration and management will continue “negotiating collaboratively with our valued team members who provide the outstanding care that defines Michigan Medicine.”
The union says workers seek pay increases that lift the lowest-paid workers, reward experience and longevity, and set the wage standard for Michigan healthcare workers. “These workers are demanding equity and parity, but also to restore benefits that they willingly sacrificed during COVID-19,” Larry Alcoff, deputy trustee with the SEIU Healthcare Michigan division, said in the union release.
Both sides emphasized their focus on reaching a contract resolution.
“At the same time, we are making preparations that — in the unfortunate event that a strike occurs — will ensure continuity of the safe, high-quality care that our patients receive every day,” the Michigan Medicine statement said.
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