Sparrow Hospital (MI) nurses, other health workers agree to contract extension

Nurses, pharmacists, social workers and other union-represented health care workers at Sparrow Hospital have agreed to work under an expired contract through Nov. 19.

But union leaders are urging members to vote against a new proposed labor pact and authorize a strike.

The Michigan Nurses Association, representing 2,100 health professionals at Sparrow, will meet with its members Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the Lansing hospital's proposed contract. The union is recommending members reject the contract and to move toward a walkout, said Gail Jehl, a registered nurse and negotiations chairwoman for the union. At stake are proposed cuts to retirement and benefit packages, she said.