Henry Ford Genesys Hospital Contract Aims to Ensure Continued, High-Quality Care

Grand Blanc, Mich.—Representatives from Henry Ford Genesys Hospital and Teamsters Local 332 met today in Genesee County, as the union’s strike at the hospital in Grand Blanc Township approaches the four-week mark.

Negotiations remain stuck in key areas impacting the financial viability of the hospital, which has been experiencing average yearly losses of $50 million and is in the midst of a financial turnaround plan. 

Teamsters have publicly identified nurse-to-patient ratios as a sticking point in negotiations, arguing they help ensure patient safety. The contract Genesys leaders put on the table includes the exact same nurse-to-patient ratios that were included in the Teamsters contract that expired Aug. 20; an important change is that the new proposed contract addresses the premium pay tied to those ratios.

Under the expired contract, Teamsters were eligible for premium pay based on the number of patients they care for each day. The clause incentivizes coordinated call-offs, where Teamsters take turns calling off scheduled shifts so that those who show up can get premium pay.    

A Henry Ford Genesys Hospital payroll analysis shows premium pay tied to nurse-to-patient ratios has resulted in:

• Payroll periods of up to $15,000 for some Teamsters
• Teamsters receiving $1.27 million in premium pay in the first half of 2025
• A total of $83.5 million in payroll and benefits to Teamsters annually; this works out to more than $111,300 annually per member.

Hospital leaders have also identified a 22.9% percent increase in call offs year over year. Teamsters members did not show up for 5,872 scheduled shifts between Jan. 1 and Aug. 18, 2025. 

In addition to premium pay, the contract that expired on Aug. 20 included incentive pay meant to encourage union members to pick up available shifts. In the first half of 2025, the hospital paid Teamsters $3.2 million in incentive pay. 

The strike is happening as hospital leaders forge ahead with thoughtful and strategic steps to restore the hospital’s financial stability and ensure the hospital can continue to serve the Genesee County community. The hospital’s offer to nurses is a fair, competitive, and thoughtful investment in the future of Henry Ford Genesys Hospital.

Hospital leaders remain committed to reaching an agreement that recognizes nurses’ unique skills and ensures safe staffing, while also ensuring a sound financial future of the hospital. 

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