What is the MNA-UAW HealthCare  Workplace Alliance?

The Alliance brings together two of Michigan's most effective and experienced unions:  The Michigan Nurses Association and the UAW. 

Our two organizations have joined together to give healthcare workers in Michigan  one strong voice.   Together, we will advocate for our patients, and for improved living and working standards for Michigan healthcare workers.

What will the Alliance do?

The MNA-UAW HealthCare Workplace Alliance will:

• conduct joint MNA-UAW organizing campaigns.  The MNA will assist RNs in forming their own bargaining units, while the UAW will assist all other workers
• combine efforts to bargain top quality contracts for health care workers;   
  
• collaborate on public policy issues affecting Michigan health care workers and healthcare consumers.

Why was the Alliance created? 

The MNA and UAW are already working together in several healthcare workplaces and on many healthcare issues.   The Alliance was created to formalize this partnership.

Both the MNA and UAW have excellent reputations for making positive change for the good of healthcare workers and patients in Michigan hospitals.Our combined strengths  can meet the needs of an entire health care facility, ensuring that each healthcare worker, regardless of vocation, can have a high quality of living and a safe workplace.

By joining forces, MNA and UAW members will have an opportunity to become more effective advocates:  for healthcare workers, for patients and for effective reform of the healthcare system in Michigan.

Who is eligible to participate in the Alliance?

All health care workers in Michigan.  RNs will be eligible to participate by joining the MNA, while the UAW will be open to all other healthcare workers, including:

• Health care professionals - social workers, pharmacists, psychologists, and others;
• Health care technicians - respiratory therapists, x-ray technicians, LPNs, and others;
• Dietary and housekeeping workers;
• Hospital and health care skilled trades workers;
• Hospital and health care clerical workers.

Is this a merger?

No.  The MNA and the UAW will remain separate and distinct organizations, each with their own members, officers, and operating under their own constitutions.   The Alliance is a unique partnership, which will make both the MNA and UAW stronger and more effective, while allowing each organization to retain its distinct identity.