U of M nurses reach tentative contract agreement

Includes competitive raises, better staffing ratios, stronger workplace violence protections

ANN ARBOR, MI – Registered nurses at the University of Michigan reached a tentative contract agreement with the university this morning that includes competitive wage increases, improved nurse-to-patient ratios, and stronger workplace protections. 

The university’s 7,500 RNs are members of MNA-University of Michigan Professional Nurse Council (MNA-UMPNC), a local union of the Michigan Nurses Association. 

The agreement comes after nine months of negotiations and multiple collective actions by MNA-UMPNC nurses, including an informational picket and planned strike authorization vote. The previous contract expired March 31. Members will vote on ratification of the tentative contract agreement soon.

"This agreement delivers on members' priorities, including competitive wage increases to recruit and retain excellent nurses, better staffing ratios, and stronger workplace violence protections," said Kara Ayotte, RN, president of MNA-UMPNC. "Our success is a testament to not only countless days at the bargaining table, but also to the collective solidarity by MNA-UMPNC members. By standing strong together, we showed Michigan Medicine that we would not settle for less than what nurses and patients deserve."

Highlights of the tentative agreement include:  

• Competitive wage increases (base of 4% the first year, 4.5% the second year and 4.75% the third, for a total of 13.25% over three years)
• Stronger workplace violence protections
• Improved staffing ratios
• No pre-scheduled patient assignments for charge RNs
• Historic gains for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
• Ratification bonus

The tentative agreement cancels a strike authorization vote that had been planned.

(Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are RNs in the categories of nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, certified nurse midwife, and clinical nurse specialists. About 1,000 MNA-UMPNC members are APRNs.) 

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