Agreement ends mandatory overtime and establishes contractually enforceable safe staffing ratios
ANN ARBOR-Nurses at the University of Michigan have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a tentative agreement after working without a contract since July 1.
In voting this week that concluded tonight, members of the Michigan Nurses Association-University of Michigan Professional Nurse Council (MNA-UMPNC) ratified the new contract, which runs through March 31, 2026. It is effective immediately.
“This contract provides important investments in nurses and protections for patients that MNA-UMPNC nurses and our community fought hard for over the past six months,” said Renee Curtis, RN, president of MNA-UMPNC. “We’re excited about being able to hold the employer accountable for safe nurse-to-patient ratios and end dangerous mandatory overtime. Strong wage increases and bonuses will help attract and retain the nurses we need to take care of our patients.”
The contract includes:
- Enforceable nurse-to-patient ratios that vary by unit to ensure safe patient care, with fines possible if the university does not comply;
- An end to mandatory overtime except in select emergency situations;
- Wage increases of 7.5 percent in 2022, 6 percent in 2023, 5 percent in 2024 and 4 percent in 2025 (total of 22.5 percent over the life of the contract), with a separate new wage scale for nurse practitioners; and
- A $5,000 ratification bonus and a $2,000 retention bonus.
“I’m grateful to our bargaining team for fighting so hard for what nurses and patients need, and I was proud to join my colleagues in voting yes on this contract,” said MNA-UMPNC member Anne Jackson, RN. “This makes the University of Michigan an even better place to work and provide the best patient care possible for all our patients.”
The Michigan Nurses Association is the largest union and professional association for registered nurses and healthcare professionals in Michigan. MNA is an affiliate of National Nurses United and AFL-CIO.
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Contact: Dawn Kettinger, 517-721-9688