Corewell Health East Faces Backlash as Nurse Negotiations Fail Amid Controversial Changes

Breakdown of Negotiations at Corewell Health East

In a dramatic turn of events, negotiations between Teamsters Local 2024 and Corewell Health East have come to a standstill. The collapse arises from the healthcare provider’s refusal to reverse controversial decisions that directly affect thousands of nurses represented by the union. Corewell Health East has decided to eliminate 'pull pay'—a crucial payment structure that, until now, granted nurses premium wages when they were reassigned from their primary units to other areas. With over 5,700 nurses impacted, the ramifications of this decision are significant, suggesting a bleak outlook for many healthcare workers in southeast Michigan.

Moreover, the situation has worsened as Corewell has also chosen to terminate a previously established student loan repayment program. This program was a beacon of hope for nurses who pursued further education, with many relying on the promise of financial relief for tuition costs. The sudden cut has left those employees in a vulnerable financial position, further igniting outrage among the nursing community.

Mike Smith, the lead negotiator for Teamsters Local 2024, condemned Corewell’s actions, stating, "Corewell is taking hard-earned money out of Teamsters nurses' pockets. They are hiding behind buzzwords like 'harmonizing,' which is just another facade for imposing nonunion standards on our nurses. This tactic is illegal and undermines the very essence of union representation. While Corewell continues its attack, the Teamsters will uphold the fight against these anti-union maneuvers, ensuring that no nurse is left suffering."

In response to these developments, nurse Sarah Johnson expressed deep concern, emphasizing, "By cutting pull pay for over 5,700 nurses and refusing to restore student loan support, Corewell Health East is punishing the very caregivers who sustain our healthcare system. We demand that Corewell retract these changes immediately, for the sake of our livelihoods, staffing stability, and ultimately, patient care."

The ongoing conflict indicates a broader struggle within the healthcare system regarding labor rights, the value of nursing professions, and the responsibilities healthcare providers owe to their employees. As the negotiations have been ongoing since June 2025, the urgency for resolution hangs heavily in the air, with both sides facing pressure from the growing unrest.

Teamsters Local 2024 represents a formidable group of 10,000 registered nurses across nine hospitals in southeast Michigan, advocating for their right to fair compensation, dignity in the workplace, and a supportive environment for their professional development. The union's challenges are a reflection of wider themes prevalent in the healthcare sector today, as institutions grapple with the balance of operational costs against the imperative to provide for their staff.

While the Teamsters are committed to holding the line against what they view as unfair and detrimental policies, Corewell Health East must confront the reality of a workforce that feels underappreciated and overworked. The future of negotiations remains uncertain as both sides prepare for the next steps in what could be a protracted battle for the hearts and minds of the healthcare community.

For further details and updates, visit local2024.org.