SEIU Healthcare Michigan reached tentative deal with U-M Health

University of Michigan Health avoided a workers strike scheduled for Tuesday by reaching a tentative three-year agreement with the Service Employees International Union Healthcare Michigan. 

The professionals represented by SEIU Healthcare include patient care technicians, phlebotomists, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation specialists and clerical staff in clinics and ambulatory care settings.

Larry Alcoff, deputy trustee of SEIU Healthcare Michigan, discussed the critical role the union’s workers played during the COVID-19 pandemic in a statement Friday evening. 

“These workers are demanding equity and parity, but also to restore benefits that they willingly sacrificed during COVID-19,” Alcoff said. “This community would not have made it through this global pandemic without the work of these brave health care workers.”

Friday evening, prior to the agreement, SEIU issued a formal strike notice for Oct. 15, which would include the work stoppage of about 2,700 health care workers. Alcoff added that although the strike would not be ideal, it would demonstrate the importance of SEIU’s demands.

“No one wants to go on strike, but sometimes the message must be loud and must be clear,” Alcoff said.

SEIU Healthcare Michigan sought increases in pay for their lowest-paid workers as well as monetary raises for those with longevity and experience. In the coming weeks, they are scheduling ratification votes among members for the agreement, which was reached Monday evening. 

Dr. David Miller, president of U-M Health, said in a statement that the agreement, which is a first for the newly formed collective bargaining unit, reflects the University’s commitment to providing the best patient care.

“This agreement reflects our appreciation for these incredibly valuable members of our team,” Miller said. “As always, our goal is to attract and retain the best health care professionals who can provide the high quality care we deliver every day to our patients.” 

In a statement posted on X, Alcoff said the agreement highlights the value of health care workers and their contributions to the community. 

“We’re glad and relieved to have reached a tentative agreement with the University that allows workers to move forward and keep their focus on taking care of Michiganders,” Alcoff said. “This state has a proud union history and this agreement with an institution like the University underscores the deep value of the workers who care for our families and neighbors. Our communities are better for it as we gain experienced workers who want to come here and stay here.”

Daily Staff Reporter Noor Khanafer can be reached at noorkk@umich.edu. 

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