Kalamazoo nurses approve new contract

RNs win raises, insurance, and PTO

By Dawn Kettinger

National Nurse magazine - Jan | Feb | March 2026 Issue

Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) nurses at Beacon Kalamazoo Hospital (formerly Ascension Borgess) voted overwhelmingly on Feb. 12 to ratify a new contract that includes competitive raises, insurance improvements, and protection of other benefits. 

“Because union nurses stood strong together, we won a strong contract with competitive wages that will retain nurses, plus improvements to the benefits we need to take care of ourselves and our families,” said Lori Batzloff, RN, president of the MNA union at the hospital and a member of the bargaining team. “Nurses have encountered pervasive problems trying to use our health insurance since Beacon took over. The new contract eases those burdens and makes using our insurance easier and more affordable.”

The contract vote passed with 97 percent voting yes. The new contract, which runs through Dec. 14, 2028, includes raises that total 14 percent over the life of the contract, plus incentive pay for all extra shifts that nurses pick up; improvements to the nurses’ health insurance, including guaranteed coverage of mental health issues and lower costs for out-of-network services, as well as a return to employer-paid disability insurance; improvements to the nurses’ paid time off, including fending off changes Beacon forced on non-union employees; and limits on on-call duty.

“A strong contract like this is possible because all of us Beacon Kalamazoo nurses showed our union strength and solidarity,” said Nate Hoffman, RN, vice president of the local union and a bargaining team member. “Without a union, an employer can cut benefits severely and shortchange nurses on compensation. Our new contract is a great example of the union difference.”