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(CBS Detroit) – The Michigan Health Care Allied Professionals Union has voted to authorize a strike at Michigan Health Care after failing to reach a collective bargaining agreement.
The union announced that 97% of its members voted in favor of certification, and contends that it was slow to respond to a counterproposal submitted in July by the Michigan Health Care Authority. Union members said they have been negotiating an initial contract with the medical center since February.
“We are simply asking for basic respect as long-time employees,” union president Penny Toney said in a statement. “University of Michigan leadership must recognize that the hospital is proud of its world-class care because of the people who work tirelessly on behalf of patients. It’s time for them to realize that they can no longer be treated as inferiors and come to us with real proposals.” ”
The union, formed over the past two years, represents 4,500 workers in six sectors: rehabilitation, behavioral health, laboratory, medical assistants, hospital services, and advanced diagnostic and procedure technicians.
The vote came a week after the Service Employees International Union Healthcare Michigan reached a tentative agreement with the University of Michigan Health, averting a work stoppage. The workers had earlier sent a strike notice to the hospital administration and management.
The union plans to hold a ratification vote in the coming weeks.
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