Corewell Health Nurses Unite to Fight Back Against Employer Aggression

Corewell Health Nurses Unite at Rally

On June 21, 2025, a powerful assembly of nurses from Teamsters Local 2024 took place at Corewell Health East, calling for an end to the mistreatment by their employer. The rally saw notable figures like Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer, Fred Zuckerman, alongside Michigan's Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson, local officials, and numerous union allies, united in solidarity against the ongoing aggression from management.

The event underscored a growing unrest among Corewell nurses. Zuckerman emphasized the long history of disrespectful treatment from management, stating, "It’s no secret that management at Corewell has been disrespecting you and your co-workers for a long time. And now that you've become Teamsters, they are all too eager to continue that disrespect. Well, I've got one thing to say to Corewell — buckle up, because you’re in for the fight of your life."

The rally is part of a broader movement after Corewell nurses successfully withstood a $1.7 million anti-union campaign in November 2024, showcasing an impressive three-to-one organization to join Teamsters. Post-unionization, however, the nurses have faced severe penalties from management, including withheld wage increases, bonuses, and denials of 403(b) matches – increasingly concerning actions that have turned the situation volatile. Nurse Alyson Zajac expressed the frustration felt among her peers: "We are being attacked by our own employer — but these attacks only pour fuel on the fire within us as pissed off, fed up, and overworked nurses."

Looking forward, the Teamsters are gearing up for contract negotiations with Corewell Health East, aiming to establish a first collective bargaining agreement for nearly 10,000 dedicated nurses. The transitional phase into negotiations marks a crucial step in reinforcing the rights and requests of the nursing staff, who assert that their efforts and sacrifices deserve recognition and fair treatment.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 1.3 million dedicated workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Their advocacy for labor rights illuminates a long-standing commitment to ensure fair workplace standards, as echoed in this rally supporting Corewell's nursing community.

For more details, please visit Teamsters.org. Follow them on social media platforms such as X and Facebook for ongoing updates and news concerning labor rights and union activities.