News, Culture and NPR for Central & Northern Michigan
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

MyMichigan and McLaren nurses agree to finalized contracts

MyMichigan Alma nurses rally for better contract bargaining in December.
Courtesy Photo
/
Michigan Nurses Association
MyMichigan Alma nurses rally for better contract bargaining in December.

Nurses at MyMichigan Alma and McLaren Central hospitals have voted to ratify new contracts.

This comes after nurses at both hospitals had authorized strikes in case no deal was reached. While they are separate contracts, a written release says they both provide competitive wages to recruit and retain nurses, limit mandatory overtime, and protect and expand contractual staffing language.

MyMichigan Alma reached an agreement on Feb. 16.

“Nurses are feeling really proud of this new contract,” said Shenan Shinabarger, president of the local Michigan Nurses Association union at MyMichigan Alma in a press release. “As a union, we were able to make meaningful improvements that will benefit our patients and our community. We genuinely hope that this will make a difference for Alma in the long run.”

McLaren Central reached an agreement Feb. 23.

“This new contract shows what it is possible for nurses to achieve if we remain steadfast and are willing to fight for what is right,” said Jessica Harradine, president of the union at McLaren Central, in a press release. “We will continue organizing together as a union to make sure that McLaren honors our ratified agreement and puts patients over profits.”

Ben Jodway is an intern, serving as a reporter for WCMU Public Media and the Pioneer in Big Rapids. He has covered Indigenous communities and political extremism in Michigan.