Dearborn, Michigan — A labor dispute involving roughly 10,000 nurses at Corewell Health East hospitals is escalating after union members overwhelmingly authorized a potential strike. Nearly 90% of participating nurses backed the move following months of stalled contract negotiations.
The authorization does not immediately trigger a strike but allows union leaders to call one if talks fail. Nurses, represented by Teamsters Local 2024, are negotiating their first contract since unionizing in November 2024. Key demands include improved nurse-to-patient ratios, higher wages, better health insurance, and stronger workplace safety protections.
Corewell Health has said it has agreed to some wage increases, but negotiations remain unresolved. A strike could affect hospitals across southeast Michigan, including facilities in Dearborn, Royal Oak, Troy, and Southfield.
Amid the dispute, the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation issued guidance informing nurses they may choose to continue working during a strike and resign union membership to avoid potential penalties. The group said some workers may feel pressured to participate despite concerns about patient care and financial stability.
Union leaders say the authorization vote reflects strong solidarity among nurses seeking improved working conditions. It remains unclear whether a strike will be called as negotiations continue.
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