Huron Valley – Sinai Hospital Nurses Ratify a Historic First Contract with Tenet DMC

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dawn Kettinger, 517.721.9688

Members won improvements in staffing as the first unionized RNs in the Detroit Medical Center system

(Commerce Township, MI) – By an overwhelming majority, registered nurses at DMC Huron Valley – Sinai Hospital voted to ratify their first contract with the hospital that includes safe staffing language to protect patients, wage increases to retain nurses, and important job protections.

“I am so proud of what nurses achieved by forming a union and sticking together. For the first time, we have a grievance procedure with enforceable contract language on professional development, health and safety,” said Judy Moore, RN, and bargaining team member. “These tools will help us protect patients and will serve as a model for other DMC hospitals.”

“The economic gains that we made mean that our hospital will be able to attract and retain skilled nurses,” said Ann Kastelen, RN, bargaining team member. “Having enough nurses on duty is an important part of safe patient care, and this contract will help make sure that is a reality.”

Nurses voted to approve the tentative agreement on November 7 and 8, after more than two years of negotiations. The contract was ratified based on a democratic vote open to all Michigan Nurses Association members at DMC Huron Valley – Sinai Hospital. The three-year agreement takes effect immediately and is retroactive to September 1, 2018.

“This is a huge leap forward, not just for Huron Valley nurses, but for our patients and for the entire DMC system,” said Kathy Lehman, RN, President of the Professional Nurses Association of Huron Valley – Sinai Hospital. “We deeply appreciate the support our fellow hospital employees and the community at-large provided throughout this process. With a strong contract in place, nurses will be able to advocate more effectively for quality care.”

The Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) is the largest, most effective union for registered nurses in Michigan, advocating for nurses and their patients at the State Capitol, in the community, and at the bargaining table. The Professional Nurses Association of Huron Valley – Sinai Hospital is an MNA affiliate representing about 350 RNs.

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