UM Health-Sparrow nurses and healthcare workers vote to authorize strike

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 11 — Unionized nurses and healthcare professionals have voted almost unanimously to authorize a strike against University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, the Michigan Nurses Association said today.

The union said 98.7% of some 2,000 UM Health-Sparrow members approved striking, if their union deems it necessary. They have been working without a contract since Oct. 30.

“The overwhelming ‘yes’ vote sends a clear message to Sparrow executives that we are fed up with their disrespect and willing to do whatever it takes to get a fair contract,” said association Jeff Breslin, president of the Professional Employee Council of Sparrow Hospital-Michigan Nurses Association.

 “We have to get this contract right, because it’s bigger than us — it’s about the future of patient care in mid-Michigan. How will our area’s largest hospital, our only Level 1 Trauma Center, have enough skilled nurses and healthcare professionals to provide quality care for our community? Sparrow won’t be able to recruit and retain high-quality RNs and healthcare professionals for our patients if we accept what executives are trying to push on us.”

Another issue is UM Health-Sparrow’s decision to end the Physicians Health Plan, which provides insurance coverage to a large percentage of the association’s local members, as reported by City Pulse last week.

In a news release today, the association said, "In more than 300 hours of negotiations since August, the employer has failed to offer competitive wages, health care without concessions, and measures to keep caregivers, patients and visitors safe.”

The union said negotiations are scheduled to continue through Dec.19.

UM Health-Sparrow said this afternoon it was "disappointed" at the outcome of the eight-day vote, which ended today.

"We remain confident that we can reach agreement without a strike," the health system's statement said.. "We are committed to continuing our collaborative discussions with these team members that represent our valued patient care teams and play an important role in health care delivery.

"We are currently planning to ensure safe staffing levels if a strike occurs. Patients can still expect to receive the same high-quality care.

"University of Michigan Health-Sparrow looks forward to continuing to work in good faith with our PECSH/MNA colleagues to negotiate a fair contract for team members.

"Our nurses and health care professionals are vital to protecting the health of our communities and the future of this health system. We understand the urgency and the importance of a contract that meets everyone’s needs, while also ensuring our patients receive the best possible care."

The union’s announcement quoted a member as saying, “I voted yes, like the overwhelming majority of my colleagues, because I’m sick of Sparrow executives not taking us seriously and refusing to do what’s right.”

The member, Destinee Griffin, a labor and delivery registered nurse, added,  “Initially, I was hopeful and optimistic that U of M would bring the changes we desperately need here at Sparrow. It’s disappointing that so far, I’ve seen few, if any, changes at the bedside — on top of how poorly the employer has handled our contract negotiations. Instead of throwing money around on new signs and shirts – and facilities they won’t be able to staff — they should be investing in the frontline professionals who take care of people day in and day out.”