We received updated counterproposals from the Teamsters related to wages and PTO, which have taken us a step back in the negotiating process. The new wage proposal is estimated to add an additional $50 million over three years, on top of the $2B estimated costs for all of the Teamsters’ economic proposals.
Introducing proposals that add millions to their already unsustainable economic proposals does not help move the parties toward meaningful discussion about economic priorities. We need the Teamsters to engage in candid and realistic discussion about what economics (wages, premium pay programs, benefits, etc.) are most important to our nurses. These discussions are vital to be able to reach a collective bargaining agreement, and we have emphasized the need for these conversations to the Teamsters.
The Teamsters also requested additional information about Corewell Health East staffing, which they stated is needed for a counterproposal. We are working to collect the information requested and expect to have it available for our next bargaining session on Friday.
To date, the Teamsters have not changed course on their artificial deadline for a vote. We believe much more discussion is needed about the parties’ priorities and any discussion of a vote or strike is premature and taking time and attention away from the work needed at the table. Corewell Health remains committed to bargaining in good faith and working to get an agreement done right.
Our next session is on Friday, and we will provide an update at that time.