UP Health System-Marquette Technicians Secure New Contract: A Win for Workers and Community!

MARQUETTE, Mich. — After months of negotiations, UP Health System-Marquette’s techs have finalized a new union contract. This agreement comes after seven months of discussions with hospital management.

In late August, nurses reached a tentative agreement, which was ratified on September 5. Now, the techs have followed suit with a contract that will last just over four years.

Key features of the contract include an 18.75% wage increase over its duration. This pay boost aims to attract and keep employees, and techs will also receive the same health insurance as the hospital nurses.

Kerri Beckman, the Vice President of Marquette Ancillary Staff and Technologists, shared that the last bargaining sessions were intense. “We spent about 32 hours over two days negotiating. We started at 8:00 a.m. and worked late into the night,” she said.

Gwen Gentz, a nurse and Union Grievance Chair, expressed that the wage increase is crucial for staffing. “With this new contract, our pay is the highest in any U.P. hospital. That’s encouraging news for keeping our current nurses and bringing in new ones.”

UP Health System stated it values the partnership with its staff. They believe this agreement will enhance patient care across the Upper Peninsula. The administration emphasized the importance of collaboration in reaching this deal.

Both Beckman and Gentz expressed gratitude to the community for its support during the negotiation process.

Studies suggest that competitive wages and benefits significantly improve employee satisfaction and retention in healthcare. A recent survey by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that hospitals offering better compensation have reported higher job satisfaction levels among staff, which can lead to improved patient outcomes.

The successful ratification of the contract at UP Health System highlights the growing trend in healthcare to prioritize worker welfare, a change that is becoming increasingly vital in today’s competitive job market.



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