In a significant labor development, more than 9,600 registered nurses at nine Corewell Health Southeast Michigan hospitals have chosen to join the Teamsters union. The National Labor Relations Board oversaw a formal vote that resulted in a nearly two-thirds majority in favor of union representation, with tallies at 4,958 to 2,957, according to CBS News Detroit.
After a reportedly aggressive anti-union campaign by Corewell, Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien lauded the nurses' resolve, saying, "Despite Corewell waging one of the most expensive and aggressive union-busting campaigns we’ve ever seen, these nurses knew their value and were determined to become Teamsters." This sentiment was echoed by Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital nurse, Katrina Wallace, in an October interview with CBS News Detroit, emphasizing the newfound leverage they would have in negotiations, "The union would give us the power to be able to advocate for our patients and give us a voice in our profession," said Wallace.
The newly formed bargaining unit will include a range of health professionals including contingent, flex, and charge nurses across nine Corewell Health locations. Addressing the employees' desire for equitable treatment, a representative from Michigan Teamsters Joint Council 43 stressed the move was for fair compensation and acknowledgment, especially after the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic, as WWJ Newsradio reported.
Corewell Health has responded to the vote, with Mark Geary, Sr. Director of Communications, stating, "Corewell Health nurses in Southeast Michigan voted to be represented by the Brotherhood of Teamsters for the purposes of collective bargaining. The results are not yet certified," according to The Detroit News.
