LANSING, Mich. (WILX) -University of Michigan Health—Sparrow nurses worked without a contract Thursday. The nurses union and the hospital were unable to reach an agreement before the agreement expired at midnight.

Their union, the Sparrow Hospital Professional Employee Council-Michigan Nurses Association, represents nearly 2,000 registered nurses and healthcare professionals at the hospital.

“We’re pretty far out in negotiations right now, we want to come together, we’re trying to get to something acceptable,” said registered nurse and PESCH-MNA President Jeff Breslin.

Even though their contracts have expired, the union says they will neither march nor go on strike.

“We will do everything we can to keep patients safe, we will do our job, we are professionals, we should be able to attract more and keep the ones here now. We can care for patients the way they deserve, they don’t need to go across the state to get good care. We should be able to do that here,” he said Breslin.

Currently, the Union is negotiating for better wages to attract and retain talent and more affordable healthcare costs for Sparrow employees.

“This agreement should be of interest to everyone in the Lansing area, in fact, everyone who lives in this area. This is the largest hospital in the region and everyone comes here when they need good healthcare. We need to make sure this place is staffed with the ability to care for the patients that come in,” Breslin said.

An AU spokesperson for M Health Sparrow said in a statement to News 10:

University of Michigan Health-Sparrow is working in good faith with our colleagues at the Sparrow Hospital Professional Employee Council (PECSH)/Michigan Nurses Association to negotiate a fair contract for team members in this bargaining unit.

We are optimistic about reaching an agreement with PECSH-MNA and are planning bargaining sessions throughout November. State and federal mediators also participated in the discussions.

Our nurses and healthcare professionals are vital to protecting the health of our communities and the future of this healthcare system. We understand the urgency and importance of a contract that meets everyone’s needs while ensuring our patients receive the best care possible. We hope to emerge from these negotiations with a stronger relationship and a collective determination to build a better future for our healthcare system and society.

PECSH-MNA encourages people to stop by the information picket outside the hospital on November 12 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

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