Corewell Health Nurses Mobilize Against Employer's Union-Busting Tactics Amid Contract Negotiations
Corewell Health Nurses Mobilize Against Employer's Union-Busting Tactics
Nurses at Corewell Health East, represented by Teamsters Local 2024, are gearing up to rally on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The event aims to highlight and challenge the ongoing employer attacks against their rights as unionized workers. The backdrop of this rally is critical, coinciding with the upcoming negotiations for the first collective bargaining agreement expected for nearly 10,000 nurses.
In November 2024, these nurses successfully resisted an aggressive union-busting effort by Corewell Health management, an initiative that cost the company approximately $1.7 million. This pushback was symbolized by their remarkable organization, as nurses joined the Teamsters at an impressive three-to-one ratio, showcasing solidarity against employer aggression.
However, post-unionization, many economic opportunities have been withheld from the nursing staff. Among the grievances, management has refused wage increases, denied bonuses, and withheld matching contributions to their 403(b) retirement plans. Such actions have led to increased frustration and concern among the nursing staff, who feel that they are being unfairly targeted compared to their nonunion counterparts.
As the rally approaches, it serves as a critical moment for the nurses, uniting them ahead of negotiations that could significantly impact their working conditions and compensation. The team of union leaders, including Fred Zuckerman, General Secretary-Treasurer of the Teamsters, Mike Smith, Trustee of Teamsters Local 2024, and Kevin Moore, President of Teamsters Joint Council 43, will be present to support the nurses and amplify their demands.
The rally will be held from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Corewell Health Southfield Center located at 26901 Beaumont Blvd, Southfield, MI 48033. For those who cannot attend in person, a livestream will be available, emphasizing the significance of this mobilization in the fight for fair treatment and equitable workplace conditions.
As they prepare for negotiations, the outcome remains uncertain, but the collective resolve of the nurses may very well set the tone for future labor relations within the healthcare industry at Corewell. This moment in history not only calls attention to the struggles faced by healthcare workers but highlights the essential role of unions in safeguarding workers’ rights. As the healthcare landscape evolves, the rights of workers must also advance to protect those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
The Corewell nurses' rally is not merely a call to action; it's a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of workers united in the face of adversity. As their stories unfold over the coming weeks, the public will undoubtedly witness how collective action can shape the future of labor rights within essential services.