We had our first negotiation session with the Teamsters on June 24. Thirteen (13) more sessions are scheduled before the end of the year. We had a productive dialogue and look forward to future sessions.
We recognize the hard work and dedication of our nurses and are committed to continuing to work diligently and in good faith during the negotiating process toward a contract that provides our nurses with fair and competitive terms while supporting our continued ability to provide exceptional care to our patients.
What We Covered
Compensation for Teamsters’ bargaining committee representatives
The union proposed a memorandum of agreement that would require Corewell Health to pay the Teamsters’ bargaining committee representatives for the time spent on negotiations.
We declined this proposal. We are happy to have the bargaining committee representatives participate in the process and welcome their input. However, the Teamsters set up their bargaining structure and chose representatives for their bargaining team. The committee members are volunteering their time to support the Teamsters. We have no objection if the Teamsters want to pay their bargaining committee members.
Retroactive payment of discretionary economic benefits
The union proposed a memorandum of agreement that would require Corewell Health to pay Teamsters’ represented nurses the following discretionary economic benefits, retroactive to the date they were implemented for non-represented nurses:
(i) March 2025 general pay increase; (ii) APP market rate adjustment; (iii) appreciation bonus of $250, (iv) shift premium pay, and; (v) the 403(b) match contribution.
We raised questions about this proposal. We sought clarification from the union to understand if these are the only economic proposals the union intends to make for 2025; if not, what other economic proposals the union intends to make for this time period. We told the union we would be happy to respond to this proposal once we receive this information.
Contract language proposals
Both parties also made language proposals. The union made eighteen (18) proposals relating to topics such as union security, dues, committees, discipline and discharge, grievance and arbitration, health and safety, leaves of absence, and insurance.
Corewell Health made eleven (11) proposals related to topics such as management rights, probationary period, strikes and lockouts, non-discrimination, union representatives, and policies, rules, and regulations.
What Happens Next
Our next session will take place on July 23, 2025. Both parties agreed to exchange questions, edits, and responses to each other’s proposals during the period between now and the next bargaining session.
Where to Learn More
Please visit chnegotiations.org for more information about negotiations, including key dates, updates, and FAQs.