UP Health System Marquette techs agree to new contract

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – The UP Health System-Marquette techs have agreed to a new union contract after seven months of bargaining. Since March, the UP Health System nurses and techs have been in talks with hospital management to reach an agreement on a new contract.

Late last month, the nurses reached a tentative agreement before ratifying a new one on Sept. 5. Now, the techs have agreed to ratify a new union contract – covering the next four years and three months.

The contract includes an 18.75 percent wage increase over the course of the contract to improve staff recruitment and retention, and a move to the same health insurance that the hospital’s nurses receive. Marquette Ancillary Staff and Technologists Vice President Kerri Beckman says the last two negotiation sessions were very long.

“During September, the last two bargaining dates, we put in almost 32 hours in two days,” Beckman said. “That was a really long-haul of bargaining. We started at 8:00 a.m. and ended at 12:30 a.m. on Sept. 2, and then we were back at it at 10:00 a.m. We finished, had the tentative agreement by about 11:30 that evening Sept. 3.”

A nurse who was also part of the bargaining says the wage increase in the contract helps with staffing and retention.

“The increase in our pay, which will lead to better recruitment and retention of nurses, right now, with the contract that we got, we are the top wage for any U.P. hospital, so that’s good news, and hopefully getting to retain and recruit some new nurses,” said Gwen Gentz, RN/Union Grievance Chair.

In a statement, UP Health System administration says, “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with MAST that supports our technologists and strengthens the care we provide to patients. The overwhelming support in MAST’s ratification vote underscores the value of collaboration and partnership. Every team member — whether union or non-union — plays a vital role in delivering high-quality care to our patients and communities. Through collaboration and open dialogue, we were able to reach an agreement that reflects our shared commitment to delivering excellent care for our patients and communities across the Upper Peninsula, and we remain committed to recruitment, retention and fostering a workplace where people are proud to serve.”

Both Beckman and Gentz thanked the community for its support during the negotiations.

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