Corewell Health East Nurses Authorize Strike Amid Contract Dispute

Nearly 90% of registered nurses at Corewell Health East’s nine hospitals and campuses across southeastern Michigan have voted to authorize a strike, escalating a dispute over their first union contract. The nurses, represented by Teamsters Local 2024, have been negotiating since June 2025.

Demands and Grievances

The core issues driving the potential strike center around working conditions and compensation. Nurses are seeking safe nurse-to-patient ratios, fair wages, affordable health insurance, and improved workplace safety. They argue that current conditions are unsustainable and negatively impact patient care.

History of Conflict

In November 2024, Corewell nurses successfully voted to join the Teamsters, overcoming a $1.7 million anti-union campaign by the hospital system. Since organizing, the union alleges that Corewell management has engaged in unfair labor practices, including withholding economic opportunities from union members, eliminating “pull pay,” and terminating a student loan repayment program.

What is “Pull Pay”?

“Pull pay” is a premium wage paid to nurses when they are reassigned from their primary unit to work in another unit, often to address staffing shortages. Corewell Health eliminated this practice for Teamsters nurses, impacting over 5,700 individuals.

Negotiation Breakdown

Negotiations between Teamsters Local 2024 and Corewell Health East “collapsed” in December 2025 after the hospital system refused to reinstate the eliminated “pull pay” and student loan repayment program. Corewell Health stated that the programs were eliminated as part of a modernization of pay programs, claiming few nurses were utilizing them. The union disputes this, arguing the cuts represent a reduction in earnings for nurses.

Strike Authorization and Next Steps

The strike authorization vote, passed on March 18, 2026, allows the union to call a strike if an agreement is not reached. Teamsters representatives have warned that 10,000 nurses are prepared to strike if Corewell Health East does not offer a satisfactory contract.

“The clock is ticking for Corewell Health East to offer Teamsters nurses the contract they deserve — or 10,000 nurses will take this fight to the streets,” said Tom Erickson, lead negotiator and Teamsters Central Region International Vice President.