Trinity Health Michigan Responds to Latest False Claims from SEIU Healthcare Michigan

MEDIA RELEASE

Trinity Health Michigan has been notified that a small group of roughly 49 out of 64 eligible employees at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Outpatient Labs has voted by a slim margin in favor of union representation. While we prefer to have a direct partnership with our colleagues and work diligently to demonstrate our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment with competitive wages, we respect the decision of these lab workers. Upon certification of the results by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), we will negotiate in good faith with the labor union to negotiate a first contract.”

In a related development, a large percentage of current union colleagues at our Trinity Health Grand Haven hospital have filed a petition with the NLRB requesting to no longer be part of SEIU Healthcare Michigan. The petition was filed Monday and both the union and hospital were notified. We will respect whatever the colleagues decide in a fair election, overseen by the National Labor Relations Board.

Regarding the SEIU's claims about the unannounced walkout at Ann Arbor Labs on March 9, once again their version of events are filled with many inaccuracies. The lab manager voluntarily resigned and left nearly simultaneously with those who participated in the walkout. The SEIU did not file an injunction; they filed a grievance of unfair labor practices with the NLRB and no findings have been issued at this time. The 12 employees who left their jobs will not be invited back.

Our outpatient labs are safe places to provide and receive care. None of these employees provided notice of any safety concerns prior to their sudden and unannounced walkout. We know and respect the rights of our employees to participate in union activities. In this instance, the union orchestrated an event that endangered patient care through reckless and unethical tactics.

Trinity Health Michigan is dedicated to providing the best possible patient care, and to that end we acted in the best interest of the patients we serve.