Corewell Health East Teamsters Organize Practice Picket to Demand Fair Treatment for Nurses
Teamsters Nurses at Corewell Health East Plan Practice Picket
In a crucial step toward achieving fair labor conditions, nurses at Corewell Health East, represented by Teamsters Local 2024, are set to hold a practice picket at the hospital's Royal Oak campus on May 5, 2026. The event will begin at 6 p.m. ET and aims to advocate for improved nurse-to-patient ratios, equitable wages, affordable health insurance, and enhanced workplace safety.
Background shows that these nurses, approximately 10,000 strong, voted overwhelmingly—by a margin of 90 percent—to authorize a strike if a fair contract isn’t proposed soon. This indicates a growing frustration and determination among the nursing staff to secure the rights and protections they deserve. Since joining the Teamsters in November 2024, they have faced a fierce $1.7 million anti-union campaign but continue to remain steadfast in their fight.
Recent months have seen Corewell Health increasing pressure on their nursing staff through alleged labor law violations, prompting Teamsters Local 2024 to file numerous unfair labor practice charges against the hospital management. One notable incident occurred just last week when it was reported that Corewell made unilateral changes that affected the bargaining unit positions, further inciting opposition from the nurses.
The nurses are standing firm in their demand for a fair agreement that prioritizes both their welfare and the safety of their patients. As the push for a fair contract intensifies, the upcoming practice picket serves as a platform for nurses to unite, raise awareness of their situation, and demonstrate solidarity.
While the practice picket is intended as a training exercise for possible future actions, it is symbolic of their readiness to take additional measures if necessary to secure a working environment that ensures safety and fairness. Teamsters Local 2024 has made it clear that they will not back down until Corewell's management offers a fair contract that meets their essential demands.
The location of the picket is at Corewell Health Royal Oak Hospital, situated at 3601 West 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073. This visibility is crucial as it sends a message not just to hospital administration, but to the community regarding the importance of fair treatment for healthcare workers.
As healthcare professionals, nurses play a vital role in patient care, and their demands for safe working conditions and fair compensation reflect the broader issues currently facing healthcare workers across the nation. The upcoming event will be more than just a practice; it represents a significant movement within the healthcare sector to demand respect, dignity, and the rights that every worker deserves. The organization of this picket underscores the determination among nurses and their union to push back against any form of injustice in the workplace.
Join the Movement
The community is encouraged to stand with the nurses of Teamsters Local 2024 during this important practice picket. It's crucial for everyone to recognize the hard work and dedication that nurses provide every day, often under challenging conditions. By showing support, the community can help amplify the calls for fair wages, proper staffing, and safe working conditions for all healthcare workers involved in patient care.
This organizational effort at Corewell Health East is a reminder that healthcare professionals are the backbone of the healthcare system, and they deserve to be treated with the respect and fairness they work tirelessly to provide to their patients. As the nurses prepare for the upcoming practice picket, their resolve serves as an emblem of the ongoing fight for worker rights across the industry.
Mark your calendars and be part of this vital event to showcase support for healthcare professionals standing up for their rights!