Seven Weeks In: Genesys Hospital Strike Drags On as Talks Continue

Leaders from Teamsters Local 332 and Henry Ford Health were back at the bargaining table yesterday, still hoping to hammer out a contract agreement that’s been months in the making.

Back at the Table Once Again

Union president Dan Glass says they’ve had a lot of conversations but not much progress. 'There’s a lot of dialogue, but no movement from the employer,' he said.

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According to Henry Ford Health, this latest meeting marked the 57th bargaining session since April, with a state mediator now helping both sides work toward a deal.

READ MORE: The Latest on the Henry Ford Genesys Nurses Strike

The hospital system says its current offer includes wage increases ranging from 3% to 8.6%, yearly raises, and continued staffing ratios written into the contract. But Glass says that’s not enough — and not the same as the deal workers had before Henry Ford took over the Genesys hospital from Ascension last October.

Teamsters Frustrated Over Stalled Progress

He says while the new contract talks about raises, it also includes big changes to benefits. Glass said:

Henry Ford wants to double some of our insurance rates. They want some of our overtime and to take away other premium things that we’ve had forever. That doesn’t recruit or retain employees. If we can’t staff the hospital, we can’t serve the community or take care of patients.

Henry Ford Health responded Wednesday with a statement saying they’re continuing to negotiate in good faith, adding that their offer 'values and supports nurses and prioritizes patient safety.'

Still No End in Sight

Both sides plan to meet again next Monday, which will mark the seventh week of the ongoing strike.