DMC Huron Valley-Sinai nurses file labor charges, will hold info picket

Despite making billions in profits, nurses say, Tenet is refusing to invest in frontline RNs and engaging in anti-union actions

COMMERCE TWP. – Nurses at DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital will hold an informational picket from 2:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Wednesday (Feb. 5) to send a message that for-profit owner Tenet Health must prioritize patient care by investing in nurses. They are also picketing to protest what they call a pattern of anti-union actions by the employer.

The nurses, who make up a local bargaining unit of the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA), have been in negotiations with Tenet for a new contract since May and are now working without one. Through MNA, they filed federal labor charges on Monday, Jan. 27, alleging that hospital executives violated the law in three ways, amounting to a failure to bargain in good faith. The next step is for the National Labor Relations Board to investigate. 

“Tenet made more 1.3 billion dollars in profit in 2023 alone – yet they are refusing to invest in the nurses who take care of our community,” said Nichole Dimick, RN, a rapid response nurse at the hospital, vice-president of the MNA union there, and a member of the elected nurse bargaining team. “Between Tenet’s low wages and high health insurance costs, some nurses literally cannot afford to work here and have been leaving. This is causing a serious staffing crisis that affects both nurses and patients. A strong contract will bring more nurses to the hospital and help keep the ones we have.”

The informational picket is not a work stoppage or strike – all participants are attending outside of their work hours. Picketing will occur without disrupting traffic flow or patient care.  

WHAT: DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital MNA nurses’ informational picket
WHERE: On the sidewalk near the intersection of Vineyard Court and East Commerce Road (approximately across from Commerce Township Fire Station No. 1, 1705 E. Commerce Road)
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. (brief speaking program at 3:20 p.m. with nurses and a DMC Huron Valley-Sinai physician)
WHO: DMC Huron Valley-Sinai MNA nurses and community supporters
VISUALS/SOUND: Nurses chanting, wearing red and holding signs

Huron Valley physicians support the nurses’ efforts to bargain a strong contract, said Dr. David Green, DO, a neurologist at the hospital.
 
“Tenet executives need to pay these nurses what they deserve and stop focusing on profits and CEO bonuses,” Green said. “Physicians can make all the treatment plans we want, but if there are not enough experienced nurses to provide the care, it’s the patients who suffer. Tenet needs to get serious about bargaining a contract that recruits and retains the skilled nurses our patients need.” 

Huron Valley ICU nurse Jeanie Kindermann, RN, a member of the bargaining team, said she sees executives’ violations of federal labor law as part of a pattern of disrespect. 

“We are committed to bargaining for a fair contract and we would hope our employer is too, but Tenet’s actions tell a different story,” Kindermann said. “Tenet executives constantly disrespect nurses and then wonder why so many are leaving. Never in my 27 years have I seen such a hemorrhaging of nursing staff. There is no nursing shortage – there is a shortage of nurses willing to work under conditions that Tenet has created. As a union, we are working hard to change those conditions with a strong contract, and no union-busting efforts will intimidate us.”

The unfair labor practice charges allege that:

• Huron Valley’s chief nursing representative told members they are paid less than employees at other Tenet hospitals because they have a union;
• Tenet has failed to provide information the union requested that is essential to the bargaining process; and
• Tenet failed to provide notice of a change in members’ working conditions in relation to bonus shift

The Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) is the largest union and professional association for registered nurses and healthcare professionals in the state. MNA is an affiliate of National Nurses United and AFL-CIO. 

Contact: Dawn Kettinger, 517-721-9688