After nurses held a “practice strike” outside the Adrian hospital on Tuesday, ProMedica executives dropped their demands for two-tier retirement and improved nurses’ wages

Adrian, MI – MNA Nurses reached a tentative agreement for a new contract with ProMedica executives late in the evening yesterday.

“MNA nurses have sent a clear and unmistakable message to ProMedica executives: we are union strong, and we are unafraid to advocate for what is right,” said Tracy Webb, a critical care nurse and president of the Michigan Nurses Association local at the ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital. “As nurses, we were fighting for the future of our community. We feel that the gains in this agreement will help us recruit and retain RNs so we can keep our patients safe every shift.”

Nurses had previously authorized their bargaining team to be able to call for a strike with a 98% yes vote. On Tuesday, participation in the “practice strike” was equally high with RNs picketing across the street as those on shift wore red inside the hospital. Nurses had described the “practice strike” as their final warning to ProMedica. After the event, the hospital’s administration conceded their demand to establish a two-tier retirement system. Additionally, nurses were able to win improved wages so that the new wage scale would reach over $50/hr by the end of the three-year contract.

“If you are a nurse at a different hospital reading this, my message to you is simple. You have more strength when you are united as a union than you ever could if you are divided and alone,” said Webb. “Never let anyone tell you that you don’t have power when you act together in solidarity. You have more strength than you could ever know.”

The agreement only becomes final if ratified by the membership. A ratification vote is scheduled for February 7.

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

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Contact: Amelia Dornbush; 517-896-7478