News and Media

Because of the current economic and health uncertainty facing many of our members, your union is making it possible for all students who enroll through the OPEIU Low-Cost Degree Program at Central State University this summer to complete their degree with no out-of-pocket costs.

OPEIU members who enroll in the term beginning May 18 can do so under the same terms as the OPEIU Free College Program. All new and continuing students who are enrolled this summer will be eligible for a Free College last-dollar scholarship, which allows students to complete their degree (through graduation) with no out-of-pocket costs for tuition, fees or e-books. This represents a savings of more than $9,000.

Students can finish their teacher education or business administration bachelor’s degree affordably and safely. You must have earned an associate degree or have at least 60 credits in either field to be eligible. And remember, if you haven't earned your associate degree you can do so as always for NO COST through the OPEIU Free College Program.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today announced an interim enforcement response plan for the coronavirus pandemic. The response plan provides instructions and guidance to OSHA Area Offices and compliance safety and health officers (CSHOs) for handling coronavirus-related complaints, referrals, and severe illness reports.

During the coronavirus outbreak, OSHA Area Offices will utilize their inspection resources to fulfill mission essential functions and protect workers exposed to the disease. The response plan contains interim procedures that allow flexibility and discretion for field offices to maximize OSHA’s impact in securing safe workplaces in this evolving environment.

“OSHA is committed to protecting the health and safety of America’s workers during this challenging time in our nation’s history,” Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Loren Sweatt said. “Today’s guidance outlines commonsense procedures for investigating complaints related to the coronavirus, while also ensuring the safety of workers, employers, and inspectors.”

Like all healthcare professionals across the world, McLaren Macomb Registered Nurses and Front-Line Workers are responding to the Covid-19 crisis. We are dedicated to our work of keeping our communities healthy and safe. To do that effectively, we need our leaders to protect and support us.

We call on McLaren Macomb to immediately implement the following policies:

1.Provide employees with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including N-95 masks, gowns, surgical caps, gloves, and goggles. Provide a consistent stock of cleaning supplies so that employees can clean and disinfect their work areas.

2. Grant a 80 hour emergency PTO bank for staff to use under quarantine applying to any COVID-19 related illness. Use of PTO should not count against employees attendance record.

3. Provide hazard pay for ALL employees working in direct contact with patients and the public.

Now is the time for all of us to rise to the occasion and respond to this crisis by protecting and supporting each other. It's time for McLaren Macomb management to do what's best for its Registered Nurses and front-line workers.