U-M nurses reach tentative contract agreement with Michigan Medicine, averting possible strike

Source: Click On Detroit

Jenny Sherman, Published: July 9, 2026 at 10:46 AM Updated: July 9, 2026 at 11:01 AM

ANN ARBOR – After nine months of contract negotiations, multiple collective actions and 20 hours of bargaining by the nurse’s union at the University of Michigan, a tentative agreement has been reached.

The news comes a week before the University of Michigan Professional Nurse Council (MNA-UMPNC) had planned to hold a member vote to authorize a strike in protest of what the union called “unfair labor practices.” The previous contract expired March 31.

“By standing strong together, we showed university executives that we would not settle for less than what nurses deserve,” said UMPNC President Kara Ayotte, RN, in a statement.

The new tentative agreement with Michigan Medicine includes competitive wage increases starting at 4% the first year, 4.5% the second year and 4.75% the third year for a total of 13.25% over three years. It also includes a $3,000 ratification bonus, better nurse-to-patient ratios and stronger workplace violence protections for the university’s 7,500 RNs, according to union leaders.


University of Michigan nurses reach tentative contract deal.

Read more: https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2026/07/09/u-m-nurses-reach-tentative-contract-agreement-averting-possible-strike/