Nurses at Henry Ford Rochester seek city council support amid ongoing contract dispute

During the May 12th, 2025 City Council Meeting in Rochester Hills, community members voiced urgent concerns regarding the ongoing labor disputes at Henry Ford Rochester Hospital, formerly known as Crittenton Ascension. Nurses and healthcare professionals highlighted the challenges they face in contract negotiations and the implications for patient care in the community.

A retired nurse with 40 years of experience at the hospital expressed deep frustration over the treatment of nurses, who have been without a contract for nearly two years. She emphasized the importance of community support, urging the City Council to intervene and advocate for fair negotiations with hospital administration. “We are asking for your support, the council, and whatever you can do,” she stated, reflecting the sentiments of many healthcare workers present.

Danielle Drouillard, vice president of the nurses union, detailed the struggles faced during contract negotiations, which have been ongoing since the hospital's acquisition by Henry Ford. She reported that the nurses had previously gone on strike due to unfair labor practices and expressed disappointment that the new administration has not honored its commitment to negotiate in good faith. “We fear they're going to implement their illegal offer regardless of what our members and unions say,” she warned, highlighting the potential risks to patient care if staffing levels and protections are compromised.

Michelle Foster, a nuclear medicine technologist, shared her perspective on the critical need for adequate staffing and support for healthcare professionals to ensure timely and effective patient care. She noted that the hospital's leadership has been slow to engage in negotiations, which could jeopardize the quality of care provided to the community.

Heather McMinn, an RN and union steward, stressed the necessity of an enforceable staffing matrix to protect both nurses and patients. She described alarming patient-to-nurse ratios that have been reported since the hospital's transition to Henry Ford, emphasizing that these conditions are unsafe and unsustainable. “We want to provide for the safety of our patients and this community,” she asserted.

The discussions at the City Council meeting underscored the urgent need for resolution in labor negotiations at Henry Ford Rochester Hospital. As healthcare professionals continue to advocate for fair contracts and safe working conditions, the community is urged to support their efforts to ensure quality care for all residents. The City Council's response to these concerns could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare in Rochester Hills.