Nurses at the University of Michigan Consider Strike Amid Stalled Negotiations
The University of Michigan Professional Nurse Council (UMPNC) has announced a potential strike, emphasizing the unity among its members. This development comes as contract negotiations with Michigan Medicine, representing around 6,000 registered nurses, remain at an impasse.
At a protest outside a meeting of the University of Michigan Regents, UMPNC President Kara Ayotte declared that a strike authorization vote would occur. Ayotte clarified, “A strike authorization vote is not a decision to strike. It is a message that this membership stands united behind its bargaining team and expects management to take these negotiations seriously, because we are serious.”
Discussions between the union and Michigan Medicine have been ongoing since October 2025. The UMPNC has expressed dissatisfaction with the hospital’s proposal of a two percent annual raise, arguing it fails to match inflation rates. Additionally, there are concerns over plans to increase patient loads for nurses.
Savannah Frank, a nurse in the surgical ICU, highlighted the current staffing challenges. “They expect so much out of us, but if we don’t have the staff, we just can’t help our patients in the way that the hospital expects us to, and the way that our management expects us to,” Frank stated. “Pay is important too, but we’re here for the patients.”
The union has also lodged three unfair labor practice complaints with the state. These complaints stem from the installation of workplace monitoring sensors without union consultation and allegations that Michigan Medicine aims to reduce union representation for advanced practice registered nurses and decrease pay for nurse practitioners in the Medical Pulmonary Unit.
Ernie Saxton, the UMPNC treasurer, criticized the healthcare system’s financial priorities. “They keep trying to chip and chip and chip,” Saxton remarked. “Healthcare is becoming more of a business now, so they’re looking at the numbers more than at what we actually do, and that’s deliver healthcare to individuals that are really, really sick.”
Michigan Medicine spokesperson Mary Masson expressed the hospital’s ongoing commitment to the negotiation process. “We appreciate the dedication and professionalism of both bargaining teams and remain focused on reaching an agreement that supports our nurses, strengthens our workforce, and ensures the highest quality care for those we serve,” Masson said.
Since their previous contract expired in late March, unionized nurses have been working without a formal agreement. The vote on whether to authorize a strike is scheduled for June 13-18.
Editor’s Note: The University of Michigan holds Michigan Public’s broadcast license.
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