Corewell Health Nurses Support Strike for Better Conditions

Corewell Health nurses in southeast Michigan have demonstrated strong support for a potential strike following a recent union vote. Nearly 90% of nurses from nine hospitals, previously under Beaumont Health and now part of Corewell Health East, back this move according to the Teamsters union.

Nurses are advocating for improved conditions, including safer nurse-to-patient ratios, fair compensation, affordable health insurance, and enhanced safety measures. Rachel Szadyr, a cardiac nurse and bargaining committee member, emphasized that the vote underscores dissatisfaction with current working conditions.

Negotiations and Disputes

Teamsters Local 2024, representing about 10,000 nurses at these facilities, has been engaged in contract negotiations since June 2025. Discussions stalled in December when Corewell Health canceled a student loan repayment initiative and "pull pay" for nurses shifted from their regular units. A Corewell spokesperson asserted that this vote won’t change their stance and reiterated their commitment to reaching a mutually satisfactory agreement.

The nurses unionized in November 2024 to address issues like wages, benefits, and staffing levels. The Teamsters accused Corewell Health East of unfair labor practices, as the organization allegedly withheld economic benefits available to nonunion employees.

Tom Erickson, lead negotiator and Teamsters Central Region international vice president, urged Corewell to offer an acceptable contract to the nurses. He condemned the health system's expenditure on anti-union efforts and legal actions against the union. Discussions remain ongoing, with no final offers exchanged, signaling that talk of a strike remains premature.