Read the full article on how private equity is making Americans sicker in the American Prospect here: https://prospect.org/health/how-private-equity-makes-you-sicker/

Mt. Clemens, MI (Aug. 29, 2019) – A group of 320 clerical associates, couriers, critical care techs, dispatchers, lab assistants, patient access reps, patient sitters, pharmacy techs and several other classifications at McLaren Macomb hospital voted last night 172 to 113 to form a union with the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 40. There were 35 additional ballots that remained unopened and were not determinative in the election outcome.

The vote proceeded despite McLaren’s efforts to defy the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Region 7’s recently issued Decision and Direction of Election by attempting to stop the election from proceeding and challenging nearly 100 voters, which would have resulted in a delay of election results. The NLRB, however, ordered the ballots to be opened and included in the total vote count.

Nurses at McLaren Greater Lansing took their fight for a new contract to the streets Wednesday.

The nurses, as well as their representatives at their union, Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 459 say compensation and staffing levels are the hangups in negotiations. Jeffrey Flemming, OPEIU’s lead negotiator for the nurses, says because of low staffing levels, the hospital is requiring nurses to work overtime.

“Nurses are having to work 16 hour shifts, in some cases day, after day, after day,” he said.

Which Linda Olin, a Registered Nurse at McLaren Greater Lansing, says negatively impacts patient care.