More than 10,000 nurses covered under newly ratified Teamsters contract with Corewell Health
Jenny Sherman, Digital Content Producer
Published: August 20, 2026 at 12:50 PM
Updated: August 20, 2026 at 1:36 PM
OAKLAND COUNTY – After more than 13 months of negotiations with Michigan’s largest healthcare system, registered nurses at Corewell Health East have voted to ratify their first union contract
The three-year agreement, which will protect more than 10,000 nurses across nine hospitals and dozens of outpatient clinics, comes two years after the group voted 3-1 to unionize — marking a major milestone in healthcare labor organizing
Represented by Teamsters Local 2024, the nurses secured a 15% wage increase over the life of the agreement, as well as a lump-sum payment on a previously withheld wage increase; a safe staffing committee that allows nurses to confront management directly on nurse-to-patient ratio issues; a new PPO option; and other “critical” workplace protections
In a news release published Thursday, Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien praised the deal, claiming that Corewell “threw millions of dollars at union-busting consultants and attorneys” to prevent the contract from moving forward
“Corewell nurses knew their value when they organized to become Teamsters, and now they’ve proven it at the bargaining table,” he said. “…Our members refused to let management buy their way out of giving them the strong contract they have long needed.”
In response to the agreement, Corewell Health shared the following statement with Local 4:
“We are pleased our nurses have ratified the agreement. This contract reflects a shared commitment to supporting nurses while continuing to meet the needs of the patients and communities we serve.”
Teamsters RNs who voted in favor of the new contract say that it protects both nurses and patients alike
“This contract is a significant step towards securing a better future for nurses, thus making a better future for our patients,” said Michael Browning, an interventional radiology nurse at Corewell Health East’s William Beaumont University Hospital. “After 32 years of nursing, finally having a seat at the table is amazing. I am so proud to have been a part of this victory.”
—> Previous coverage:Corewell Health nurses push for Teamsters Union amid overwork concerns in Michigan
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