GRAND BLANC -- It’s been called a mud-slinging street fight, but Teamsters Local 332 and Genesys Regional Medical Center have reached a new labor contract.
Teamsters ended nearly a year of what they call an emotional rollercoaster after 92% of the union members voted to approve their new labor contract with Genesys.
It’s a done deal.
"I can't thank the Teamsters enough," said Technical Teamster Amanda Cohoon.
Teamsters Local 332 and Genesys Regional Medical Center reach a labor contract agreement for nearly 300 technical workers.
"We basically had a knock down drag out fight," said Teamsters Local 332 President, Nina Bugbee.
During ten months of bargaining, Teamsters held several pickets, put up billboards, and threatened to strike because they say they wouldn't settle for pension cuts and unfair wages.
"I can't even tell you how many angles and pressure points we had to hit Genesys with to get their attention," said Bugbee.
Genesys says the contract achieves necessary economic objectives to help sustain its long-term vitality.
Under the agreement, Teamsters get an average 6% raise every year until 2014, a fair pension, and a new health care plan with perks.
"Health insurance was a huge factor, I feel like that has been preserved, what everyone is working for, someone needs to take care of us as I get older," said Cohoon.
Teamsters President, Nina Bugbee says a month ago the union was ready to strike when the CEO of Genesys called.
"I think he was concerned about the sustainability and viability of Genesys, and this had become so heated," said Bugbee.
Even though the Teamsters and Genesys will continue to work together, tension is high.
"They personally attacked me as union president, trying to pit the workers against me as their local union president, with divide and conquer tactics, they were not successful," said Bugbee.
Genesys says they look forward to a renewed sense of unity within their organization.
The battle is far from over, next fall the Teamsters and Genesys will start negotiations for the RN contract, set to expire in 2012, the Teamsters say they'll fight just as hard.
About 1,000 RN's will be affected by that labor contract.
Technical workers have been without a contract since March 17th.
