Beacon Kalamazoo Nurses Ratify 3-Year Contract

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Members of the Michigan Nurses Association at Beacon Kalamazoo (Mich.) Hospital have approved a new 3-year labor contract. The agreement, ratified by 97% of voting nurses on February 12, covers 378 nurses at the hospital and includes 14% total raises over three years, improved insurance coverage, and limits on on-call duty.

Why it matters

The successful contract negotiations between Beacon Kalamazoo and its nurses' union highlight the ongoing efforts by healthcare workers to secure better pay and benefits, especially as hospitals and health systems navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new contract aims to address key concerns around insurance costs, paid time off, and work-life balance for the nursing staff.

The details

The new 3-year contract includes a 14% total raise for nurses over the three-year period, as well as incentive pay for taking on extra shifts. The agreement also improves coverage for mental health services, reduces costs for out-of-network care, and restores employer-paid disability insurance. Additionally, the contract includes enhancements to paid time off policies and limits on the amount of on-call duty nurses can be required to work.

• Negotiations between Beacon and nurses began on October 2, 2025.
• Nurses had been working without a contract since December 15, 2025.
• The new agreement was ratified by 97% of voting nurses on February 12, 2026.
• The contract runs through December 14, 2028.