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Henry Ford Genesys Hospital said Wednesday that it will begin implementing some of the proposed terms, including a salary increase for nurses, amid the ongoing contract negotiations. This comes as nurses have been on strike for two months after their contracts expired in August. Henry Ford Health told Newsweek that Genesys will begin implementing these terms because, while negotiations are continuing, they have “reached an impasse.” Why It Matters The hospital said it will increase nurse wages up to 8.6 percent, provide a “comprehensive and competitive” benefits package and implement the agreed-upon staffing ratios from previous contracts, along with a new shared governance model that “gives nurses a stronger voice. According to Henry Ford Health, registered nurses at Genesys will see an average of a 5.3 percent salary increase in their first year. “Unilateral implementation of the hospital’s proposals makes it possible for the hospital to operate under a new framework that reflects a deep commitment to nurses, patients and long-term care for the community,” Henry Ford Genesys Hospital said in a statement. What To Know Henry Ford Genesys Hospital, part of Henry Ford Health, and Teamsters Local 332 have been in contract negotiations since April 2025 and have met more than 60 times to find a new agreement. The union has been on strike since September 1 in hopes of gaining safer nurse-to-patient ratios, better working conditions and “competitive compensation. In a Facebook post Tuesday, the union said it will remain on strike until its demands are met. “Instead of actually trying to end this strike, Henry Ford Genesys is wasting time by refusing to negotiate and attacking the Teamsters nurses who make this hospital run,” Teamsters Local 332 said. “The 750 nurses and case managers will be on the strike line until Henry Ford Genesys Hospital stops stalling and offers Teamsters the contract they deserve.” Henry Ford Genesys Hospital said “there has been no meaningful movement on core issues.” It maintains that the indefinite strike is about Teamsters leadership “pushing their national agenda.” “Teamsters leaders have been clear: the strike at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital isn’t about what’s best for Grand Blanc patients, it’s about keeping their members on the picket line to advance the union’s broader agenda,” the hospital said in a statement on October 31. “Their stall tactics at the bargaining table are prolonging the strike and preventing their members from caring for the community.” The proposal includes the same nurse-to-patient ratios from the previous expired contracts. The hospital said this new wage and benefits package will be available to all registered nurses, including new hires, nurses who remained on the job during the strike and “striking nurses who might want to return.” It adds that federal labor laws allow employers to enact contract proposals without union approval while stalled negotiations enter the next phase. What Happens Next Henry Ford Genesys said the contract negotiations with the nurses’ union have reached an impasse. “We have negotiated in good faith with Teamsters representatives more than 60 times since the spring and have experienced no meaningful movement towards an agreement,” the hospital said. “Because of this, we do not believe an agreement can or will be reached.” The hospital said this does not mean negotiations are over and said it will continue to meet with Teamsters in hopes of reaching a contract both parties can agree upon. “What’s unfortunate is what happens when we come to the negotiation table,” the hospital said. “The Teamsters make proposals they know are fruitless and ask repeated questions just for show. After extensive effort, there is no reasonable prospect of reaching a mutually acceptable agreement in the near term and continuing to bargain without movement risks compromising the hospital’s stability.” Newsweek reached Teamsters Local 332 for comment. Have an announcement or news to share? Contact the Newsweek Health Care team at health.care@newsweek.com.
