10,000 nurses at Corewell Health in Michigan are uniting to win their first Teamster contract and getting ready to cast ballots in a strike authorization vote that starts on March 2. Voting YES is the next step in their campaign to win a fair contract. 

The Local 2024 bargaining committee includes nurses across the Corewell healthcare system. They have been negotiating a first contract since last June. IBT Central Region Vice President Tom Erickson is leading the negotiations. 

Since it’s a first contract everything is being negotiated, including wages, just cause for discipline, and a grievance procedure to hold management accountable.  

The first contract is a foot in the door and lays the foundation for future improvements.

“I feel like they aren't seriously bargaining with us because they think that they can intimidate us into taking what they give us,” said Debbie Miracle, a member of the bargaining team from Corewell’s Farmington Hills location. “Once again they are underestimating how willing nurses are to fight for what we deserve and what our patients deserve.”

Strike Authorization Vote

Rank-and-file nurses and bargaining team leaders have been tabling across the healthcare system this month making sure all members are informed about bargaining and prepared to Vote Yes in the strike authorization vote.

“Once they see Corewell’s offer, people will vote to authorize a strike,” said 32-year OB nurse and bargaining team member Lori Accica Greenlee. "I've been on the bargaining team the whole time and I'm an optimist but the games they play at the table are insulting.”

A “Yes” vote does not mean a strike. But it will increase the union’s leverage to win a good contract by showing management that nurses are united and prepared to do what it takes to win the contract they deserve.

Before any strike is called, Corewell Teamsters will have the opportunity to vote on a contract offer.

We urge all Corewell nurses to Vote Yes and to encourage their co-workers to do the same. 

Information and instructions to participate in the strike authorization vote will be mailed to all eligible members on Monday, March 2. The results of the vote will be announced on March 17.

Corewell Teamsters from the International Union can be found here. Stay informed, stay involved, stay united!