LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Nurses and healthcare professionals at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow voted to approve a new contract, the Michigan Nurses Association announced Thursday afternoon.
The vote passed with 95% approval, averting a planned five-day strike.
Members of the Professional Employee Council of Sparrow Hospital-Michigan Nurses Association (PECSH-MNA) began voting on Monday. Voting ended Thursday and was tallied that same afternoon. Workers would have gone on strike if the contract had not been approved.
The new contract runs until Oct. 30, 2027.
PECSH-MNA represents 2,000 workers at UMH-Sparrow.
The Union and UM-Health Sparrow unofficially reached an agreement on Jan 14. Negotiations had been going on since August.
According to PESCH-MNA, the new contract includes:
- Competitive wage increases, with most members receiving between a 20% and 32% raise during the term of the agreement.
- Large increases in differentials (extra hourly pay) including the night shift, evening shift, and weekends.
- Guaranteed healthcare plan equal or better to the union plan the employer is ending.
- Permanent decrease in the cost of members’ premium contribution to Blue Cross Blue Shield starting in 2026.
- New language guaranteeing no permanent replacement of positions with subcontractors (agency) and maintenance of open postings for these positions.
- Extending COVID protections for members.
- Increased benefits for employees injured by workplace violence.
- Vacation accrual for salaried members on paid-out comp time.
- Ratification bonus.
“We’re really proud that we as a union stood strong to get what nurses and healthcare professionals at Sparrow need and deserve,” said Leah Rasch, RN and co-chair of the elected PECSH-MNA bargaining team in a statement. “This is one of the best contracts anyone can remember at our hospital. A great agreement for our members is a win for all of us, because it will help make sure Sparrow can attract and keep enough nurses and health care workers to take excellent care of our community.”
UM Health-Sparrow applauded the decision.
“We are pleased to have secured a new long-term contract covering our hardworking and dedicated team members,” said Margaret Dimond, regional president, University of Michigan Health. “This contract reinforces our status as the employer of choice in Mid-Michigan, with competitive wage increases, excellent benefits and health and safety protections. We are grateful to all of our team members for continuing to put our patients and the community first and always delivering outstanding care.”
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