The University of Michigan House Officers Association stands in solidarity with our SEIU union siblings in their fight for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. For the past year, these employees have worked at the bargaining table to secure a better future, and we know first-hand how difficult and frustrating that experience can be.

The fact that the members of SEIU even need to consider a strike to get basic, fair proposals from a hospital system as well-funded as Michigan Medicine is disappointing. Their value to this institution is self-evident. We hope this serves as a wake-up call to the leadership of Michigan Medicine that employees are prepared to fight to secure their fair share of the immense amount of money that this health system brings in every year.

We know that, like us, SEIU members value the safety of our patients and the care they receive above all else. Your fellow union members in the HOA support you in your fight. We also ask the hospital to come to the table with better and more reasonable proposals so that everyone can get back to doing what we do best: Treating the patients of Michigan Medicine in their times of need.

In the event that does not happen, all HOA members should check their inboxes. We will be issuing guidance on how to navigate this situation in accordance with our contract.