Grand Blanc Township, Mich. – After more than six months on the picket lines, nurses represented by Teamsters Local 332 are no closer to a resolution with Henry Ford Genesys Hospital. The union rejected a new contract offer presented by the hospital, which included wage increases of up to 13%, guarantees of safe staffing levels, and a commitment to offer positions to all striking nurses—though not necessarily their original roles. The ongoing dispute, a protracted labor battle impacting healthcare access in the region, highlights the challenges facing unions and hospitals as they navigate evolving operational needs and workforce demands.
The strike began on September 1, 2025, and has become a focal point in discussions about healthcare worker rights and hospital staffing. While both sides reported potential breakthroughs in negotiations last month, this latest development signals continued impasse. The core of the disagreement now centers on the terms of returning to work, specifically the hospital’s ability to guarantee existing positions after operational changes implemented during the strike.
Hospital’s Offer and Union’s Concerns
Henry Ford Genesys Hospital maintains that it has addressed the union’s priorities, offering a package that reflects “deep respect for every one of our team members” and provides a “clear path forward” for the hospital, according to a statement released on March 2, 2026. The offer includes a wage increase of up to 13% and a commitment to safe staffing levels. Crucially, the hospital stated that every striking nurse is guaranteed a job, without loss of seniority.
However, the union, led by President Dan Glass, vehemently opposes the return-to-work stipulations. Glass accused Henry Ford Genesys Hospital of “treating Teamsters nurses like they are disposable,” arguing that the hospital is prioritizing replacement workers hired during the strike. “These are professionals who gave years — even decades — to this hospital,” Glass said in a statement. “These attacks are blatantly illegal, and it’s long overdue for the National Labor Relations Board to do its job and protect these nurses’ statutory right to return to their positions.”
Operational Changes and Shift Assignments
A key point of contention lies in the hospital’s explanation that, due to operational and clinical changes made since Henry Ford Health assumed operations of Genesys Hospital, exact shifts and assignments may no longer be available for returning nurses. The hospital stated that nurses returning to work will receive “preferred considerations when openings become available.”
This has fueled the union’s claim that the hospital is attempting to circumvent its obligations to reinstate striking workers to their previous positions. The union alleges this constitutes a violation of federal labor law. Henry Ford Genesys, however, defends its position, stating that it also has a responsibility to support the nurses who continued to provide care during the strike and those newly hired to fill staffing gaps. “While we respect the right to strike, we also have a responsibility to support all our staff,” the hospital said in a statement. “The rights of these team members are equally protected by federal labor laws and cannot be ignored.”
The Role of Replacement Workers
The use of replacement workers during the strike has been a consistent source of friction. The union argues that the hospital is actively seeking to replace experienced nurses with less-qualified staff, undermining patient care and devaluing the contributions of its long-term employees. The hospital has not directly addressed this claim, but maintains that it is committed to providing safe, high-quality care to the community.
Looking Ahead
The proposed contract was presented to the union last week, according to Henry Ford Genesys. More detailed information about the offer is available on the hospital’s website: Henry Ford Genesys Offer to Teamsters. The next step in the process remains unclear, as the union has not indicated a willingness to return to the negotiating table under the current terms. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the strike enters its 183rd day.
This ongoing labor dispute at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital underscores the complex challenges facing the healthcare industry, including staffing shortages, the rising cost of care, and the rights of healthcare workers. The outcome of this strike could have broader implications for labor negotiations at other hospitals and healthcare facilities across Michigan and beyond.
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