Nearly 700 nurses and support staff at McLaren Macomb Hospital began a three-day strike Monday, citing low wages and unsafe staffing levels.
OPEIU Local 40, the union representing the workers, claims the hospital’s staffing practices endanger patient care and make it hard to retain qualified employees. The union also accuses the hospital of bargaining in bad faith, threatening lockouts, and planning to bring in out-of-state replacement workers.
Union demands include a standardized wage scale, fair overtime policies, and improved staffing levels.
“McLaren Macomb is incredibly disappointed OPEIU Local 40 is taking nurses and support service staff away from patient care for a strike this week. However, our commitment to serving the community is unwavering and will not be deterred. We have been preparing for the possibility of a strike for weeks and have activated our operational plans to ensure our patients receive the quality, compassionate care they deserve. Fully licensed and qualified nursing and support staff have been secured to ensure a safe environment with minimal — if any — disruption to patient care throughout the union’s strike. Our emergency department will remain open and patients with scheduled procedures, outpatient services, or upcoming appointments should attend as planned,” the hospital said.
