Nurses at Ann Arbor-based Michigan Medicine took their complaints of unfair labor practices to the University of Michigan's governing board during its Sept. 20 meeting, the Detroit Free Press reported.
The nurses, who are in the middle of a labor dispute with the university's medical arm, Michigan Medicine, are represented by the University of Michigan Professional Nurses Council. Their supporters talked about nurses' workplace concerns during the public comment section of the board of regents meeting, but the issue was not a formal agenda item, The Free Press reported.
Regents told the nurses they hope the workers and Michigan Medicine have respectful negotiations and that a fair resolution is reached soon.
Regent Andrew Richner said reaching a labor deal should be prioritized, according to The Free Press.
The board of regents meeting comes days after Michigan Medicine nurses authorized their bargaining committee to call a strike of up to three days.
The authorization does not mean a strike will take place. However, the bargaining unit now has the authority to issue a 10-day strike notice if it chooses.
Mary Masson, Michigan Medicine spokesperson, said the health system has bargained in good faith and made a competitive offer.
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