Ready to Vote Yes and Build Our Union

"The nurses’ voices were heard and we’ve won a contract we can build on. We got a PPO which we didn’t have. We got management to guarantee not to raise copays. I am be proud to vote yes to approve this contract. 

We didn’t get everything we wanted. But there are teeth in this agreement. For a first contract, that’s a win!

The members are asking the right questions. They are engaged. I’m proud of everyone for critically thinking this through. That’s the democratic process. That’s what we were fighting for. 

We can build our local union now, educate our members, and show what a union of 10,000 nurses strong can accomplish going forward. With an informed membership and stewards, we can do great things.

We have a lot of work to do but it’s fun work. We’re not done."

Katherine Wallace, Michigan Local 2024, Corewell Health

We're Stronger Together

“We unionized so we would have a collective voice. A collective voice is always stronger than an individual voice. 

Everyone is getting at least a 15% raise. We all need to remember that everything that Corewell has agreed to is because we organized. 

With a contract, we will have more power to hold them accountable.

Getting our local up and running is the next big step. We want a member-driven local. 

I’m so proud of nurses all over the country who are organizing and realizing we have the power to make real change when we stick together."

Michella Vincent, Michigan Local 2024, Corewell Health

Wage Increases and a Staffing Committee

“I am most proud of the wage increases. A 15% raise is outstanding for a first contract. Corewell tried to divide us by giving different raises to different groups, but we got everyone on the same page and everyone is getting a raise. 

As soon as we ratify we’ll get 5.5% plus retro. Then, next March, we get 4%. That’s 9.5% in less than a year. 

By ratifying the contract, we will get a staffing committee in place with 12 people from Corewell and 12 from the union discussing RLs. We can track discrepancies with our ADO forms and say, 'What are we going to do to change that?' 

Corewell says they will work with us. We hope that’s the truth. We have to have a little faith. And in three years we’ll be back at the bargaining table to work on improvements.”

Lori Greenlee, Teamsters Local 2024, Corewell Health

Sticking Together

“The nurses on my unit have talked a lot and I’m honest about what I think. This is a first contract and it’s got strengths and weaknesses. But we accomplished a lot. It’s a contract to build off of and I’m proud of it. 

Safe staffing committee will be huge because we’ll finally be part of the process. Members will meet with Corewell every month and say, 'Why aren’t you staffing this unit?' We’ll work with Corewell, but they will have to start showing progress.

Our retirement is locked in so there’s no doubt about it and Corewell can’t backslide. I’m also proud of our grievance procedure. We’ll finally be able to enforce fair treatment.

We’ve become a family. I now understand why union people call each other brother and sister. We really do stick together.”

Debbie Miracle, Teamsters Local 2024, Corewell Health

Iowa Nurses Are Next!

“This is what happens when nurses band together and form a union. We win positive change!

I am proud to know many of the bad-asses at Corewell East that fought through all the obstacles the system throws at us! Nurses at UnityPoint in Iowa where I work are inspired and ready to be next up!”

Belinda Huerta, Teamsters Local 90, UnityPoint Health