University of Michigan Professional Nurse Council
MNA-UMPNC RNs support our colleagues at UMMAP and SEIU
Michigan Medicine has refused to reach a fair settlement with our coworkers in UMMAP and SEIU. These two unions cover a broad range of job classifications including respiratory therapists, techs, clerks, phlebotomists, and many others. This refusal on the employer’s part has forced our colleagues to call a work stoppage so they can be acknowledged and treated with the respect they deserve.
SEIU had given a 10-day notice for a one day strike on Tuesday, October 15th - which was ultimately averted hours before.
And now, UMMAP has given a 10-day notice for a one day strike on Tuesday, November 12th.
Please read the FAQs below for guidance on how to respond to the reality that work life without support will present, how nurses can best protect patients, and how we can collectively remind Michigan Medicine that each of us is needed to achieve safe patient care. While we cannot legally sanction a work stoppage of our own members, we ask that each nurse search their conscience and consider the ramifications prior to picking up additional hours during that 24-hour period.
Q. Are the nurses going on strike?
A. No, MNA-UMPNC is not going on strike. Secondary or solidarity strikes are not allowed under state and federal labor law. If you have a regularly scheduled shift during any work stoppage by another union, you must come into work. Employees who do not show up to work face discipline up to and including termination. However, you do not have to agree to pick up extra shifts during a strike.
Michigan Medicine may offer extra hours to RNs to work in support staff roles, such as nursing assistant, health unit coordinator, respiratory therapy, etc. The extra shifts are not mandatory and are meant to use RNs as replacement workers for our striking co-workers. Our contract protects RNs from being forced to work as a clerk, messenger, transport, custodian, maintenance employee, or dietetic worker for substantial periods except in rare and unusual circumstances.
Q: What should I do if I am asked to work in a non-RN role during my regularly scheduled shift?
A: Do not refuse a direct order from a manager or supervisor unless, in your professional judgment, the directive would pose a clear and present danger to patient safety. Instead, address those concerns with your nursing supervisor. If your supervisor does not provide an appropriate solution, inform them you will be documenting the safety concern using an Assignment Despite Objection (ADO) and Risk Report. All nurses working can add their names to the ADO form.
Q: If I’m working in a non-RN role, am I expected to provide the same care I would in my role as a RN?
A: Yes. If you have concerns about an aspect of care that may endanger a patient’s safety, you must act on it in the best interest of that patient. Use your best professional judgment. If the situation is not an emergency, escalate through the normal chain of command, starting with the nurse directly assigned to the patient. Please also reach out to your district or area reps.
Q. Can I join SEIU/UMAPP’s picket line?
A. You can join on an individual basis, but only when you are off-shift. You must not interfere with anyone entering or exiting the hospital.
Q. What can I do to help workers on strike?