PORT HURON, MI — Employees from three bargaining units at McLaren Port Huron Hospital used public comment during the June 22 Port Huron City Council meeting to raise concerns about union recognition, contract negotiations, staffing levels and patient care.
Roughly 25 union members representing AFSCME Michigan and Teamsters Local 332 attended the meeting, with many AFSCME members wearing green shirts. Although McLaren labor issues were not on the agenda, speakers highlighted ongoing efforts involving nearly 900 hospital employees.
Three bargaining units involved
The issues involve three bargaining units at McLaren Port Huron Hospital.
AFSCME Michigan represents about 450 to 475 registered nurses and 250 to 300 non-technical employees, including certified nursing assistants, unit clerks, housekeeping staff and other support workers.
Teamsters Local 332 represents about 135 technical employees, including respiratory therapists, imaging and radiology personnel, ultrasound and echocardiography workers, emergency department technicians and other diagnostic staff.
Union representatives said technical employees organized first, followed by nurses and non-technical workers.
According to National Labor Relations Board records, technical employees voted 70-35 in favor of Teamsters representation in July 2024. Non-technical employees voted 232-80 to join AFSCME Michigan in May 2026.
Workers seek public awareness
T.J. Ruedisueli Jr., a McLaren employee of four years, told council members the union effort is focused on improving conditions for employees and patients.
“Every person that I have personally spoken to … they don’t talk about the money,” Ruedisueli said. “They talk about how they can make this a better, safer place for the community.”
Ruedisueli cited staffing, patient care and workplace conditions as key concerns.
“Our community deserves improved patient ratios, well-rested caretakers, improved safety protocols and complete staffing,” Ruedisueli said.
He added AFSCME members are waiting for the union election process to conclude before contract talks begin.
Teamsters describe lengthy negotiations
Katie Marcath, a respiratory therapist and Teamsters member of 10 years, said the technical unit has been negotiating its first contract for nearly two years.
Marcath said staffing concerns affect patient care and described negotiations as frustrating.
“The community deserves a facility that can provide good care,” Marcath said. “We’re here to bring awareness.”
Teamsters representatives said the unit was certified by the NLRB in July 2024 and began bargaining in November 2024. They also said unfair labor practice charges have been filed related to alleged delays.
Hospital disputes allegations
McLaren Port Huron confirmed negotiations began in late 2024 but disputed claims of bad faith.
“McLaren has been negotiating in good faith since November 2024,” the hospital said in a statement. “McLaren has not committed any unfair labor practices but has filed four charges against the union for bad faith bargaining and delay.”
Regarding the AFSCME elections, McLaren said it respects the results but has objections pending.
“We remain committed to following the legal process and bargaining in good faith once the NLRB certifies the election,” the statement said, citing alleged irregularities involving the board agent and union organizers.
Staffing central to dispute
Both unions repeatedly linked organizing and bargaining efforts to staffing and patient care.
McLaren said staffing decisions are based on patient acuity, volume and available resources.
“McLaren takes seriously our obligation to appropriately staff the hospital … with patient safety as our highest priority,” the hospital said.
The hospital said it will continue monitoring staffing levels while complying with federal labor law as negotiations and election proceedings continue.
Contact reporter Andy Jeffrey at ajeffrey@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: McLaren employees raise labor concerns during council meeting
Reporting by Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald / Port Huron Times Herald
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald | USA TODAY Network
