MICHIGAN
M
ichigan Nurses Association
(MNA) nurses at Beacon Kala-
mazoo Hospital (formerly
Ascension Borgess) voted over-
whelmingly on Feb. 12 to ratify a new
contract that includes competitive raises,
insurance improvements, and protection of
other benefits.
"Because union nurses stood strong
together, we won a strong contract with
competitive wages that will retain nurses,
plus improvements to the benefits we need
to take care of ourselves and our families,"
said Lori Batzloff, RN, president of the
MNA union at the hospital and a member of
the bargaining team. "Nurses have encoun-
tered pervasive problems trying to use our
health insurance since Beacon took over.
The new contract eases those burdens and
makes using our insurance easier and more
affordable."
The contract vote passed with 97 percent
voting yes. The new contract, which runs
through Dec. 14, 2028, includes raises that
total 14 percent over the life of the contract,
plus incentive pay for all extra shifts that
nurses pick up; improvements to the nurses'
health insurance, including guaranteed cov-
erage of mental health issues and lower
costs for out-of-network services, as well as
a return to employer-paid disability insur-
ance; improvements to the nurses' paid time
off, including fending off changes Beacon
forced on nonunion employees; and limits
on on-call duty.
"A strong contract like this is possible
because all of us Beacon Kalamazoo nurses
showed our union strength and solidarity,"
said Nate Hoffman, RN, vice president of
the local union and a bargaining team mem-
ber. "Without a union, an employer can cut
benefits severely and shortchange nurses on
compensation. Our new contract is a great
example of the union difference."
—Dawn Kettinger
Kalamazoo nurses approve new contract
RNs win raises, insurance, and PTO
Retiring soon?
Join the CNA/NNOC retiree division! CNA/NNOC
members in good standing who are now retired
are eligible to join. Dues are only $60 per year,
and you will be a part of an active, dynamic group
of retired RNs who work to continue our vision
of social justice and health care for all. More
information and how to join can be found
here: https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/
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