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OPEIU nurses and service staff at McLaren Macomb initiate a three-day ULP strike demanding better pay, working conditions, and bargaining transparency.
Unfair Labor Practice Strike Begins Amid Stalled Negotiations at McLaren Macomb
MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. — Nurses and service employees represented by OPEIU Local 40 launched a three-day unfair labor practice (ULP) strike against McLaren Macomb Hospital on Monday, July 7, citing ongoing grievances over poor working conditions, wage stagnation, and allegations of unlawful labor practices. The strike began at 7 a.m., with picketers gathering at American Lutheran Church on Mulberry Street, which is serving as the strike staging area.
The union claims McLaren has failed to negotiate in good faith, prompting legal filings with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in multiple cases dating back to 2023. According to OPEIU’s documentation, these complaints include direct dealing, refusal to bargain, unilateral changes, and attempts to undermine union representation.
Union Alleges Systematic Undermining of Collective Bargaining Rights
Between November 2023 and May 2025, OPEIU filed at least 12 ULP charges with the NLRB against McLaren Macomb, highlighting an escalating breakdown in trust between the union and hospital administration.
A summary of charges includes:
- Bad faith bargaining and refusal to provide key information (Cases 07-CA-329341, 07-CA-345017)
- Direct dealing with employees outside of union channels (Cases 07-CA-346952, 07-CA-358825)
- Unilateral changes to working conditions and benefits without negotiations (Cases 07-CA-340873, 07-CA-365038)
All complaints are publicly listed in the NLRB’s Case Management System and remain under federal review.
Workers Cite “Poverty Wages,” Staffing, and Subcontracting as Core Issues
Union members argue that McLaren’s compensation and staffing policies compromise patient care and workplace safety. In strike materials distributed to members, the union accuses the hospital of offering “poverty wages” and undermining service standards through increased subcontracting of hospital support roles.
Strikers are also demanding the establishment of a “stronger patient matrix,” suggesting that current patient-to-staff ratios are unsustainable and unsafe for both workers and patients.
OPEIU Asserts Legal Standing and Benefits Continuity
The union insists the strike is legally protected under the National Labor Relations Act. “This is a ULP strike, not an economic one,” the strike notice reads. “You have the legal right to strike, and the hospital has been served with all required notices.”
The union further addressed concerns around healthcare benefits, dismissing suggestions that strikers would lose insurance coverage. “COBRA coverage only begins after termination,” reads the statement. “Hospital-provided insurance continues through the end of the month during a legal strike.”
Hospital Accused of Spreading “Carefully Worded Propaganda”
According to strike materials distributed to members, McLaren has allegedly engaged in a campaign to discourage participation through vague or misleading statements. “Let’s cut the crap,” the memo states. “McLaren has been sending out carefully worded propaganda designed to confuse and worry you.”
As of publication, McLaren Macomb has not issued an accessable public response addressing the strike allegations or ULP claims.
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