Nik Rajkovic / news@whmi.com

University of Michigan Health is faced with another strike notice after failing to reach a bargaining agreement with members of the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals union.

The union says 97% of its members voted in favor of the strike authorization, claiming Michigan Medicine delayed responding to a counteroffer submitted in July. The two sides have been in talks since February.

"We are just asking for basic respect as longtime employees," union president Penni Toney said in a statement. "Michigan Medicine management must recognize that they are only able to boast about the hospital's world-class care because of the folks working tirelessly for their patients. It's time for management to recognize that we can no longer be treated as lesser than and come to us with a real proposal."

The union represents 4,500 workers in six units -- rehab, behavioral health, lab, medical assistants, hospital services and advanced diagnostic and procedures technologists.


Michigan Medicine released the following statement to WHMI:

"It is disappointing that UMMAP has authorized a strike, however we remain confident that we can reach agreement without a work stoppage. We are committed to continuing our collaborative discussions with these team members that represent our valued patient care teams and play an important role in health care delivery. This vote authorizes a strike, but no work stoppages have been scheduled. Patients can still expect to receive the same high quality care at our hospitals and health centers. We are currently planning to ensure safe staffing levels if a work stoppage occurs".


The vote comes one week after the Service Employees International Union Health Care Michigan reached a tentative agreement with the University of Michigan Health, avoiding a work stoppage.

SEIU-Health Care Michigan will hold a ratification vote in the coming weeks.

Photo courtesy of UMMAP's Facebook page.