MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Technicians at UP Health System Marquette have struck their tentative agreement on a new contract. Over September 2 and 3, the Marquette Ancillary Staff and Technologists (MAST) bargained for around 30 hours before reaching a settlement.
Similar to the RN agreement made last week, the contract promises wage increases by more than 18% over the next four years and three months, as well as matches the nurses healthcare plan.
“It was a big sticking point for our membership to be able to get better health insurances go around, because it was terribly expensive once you began to use it,” explained MAST Vice President, Kerri Beckman.
Through massive amounts of support, the unions say they are grateful for the community they serve.
“Having all these different groups show up to our rallies and our practice strike, even when the weather was terrible and people were still out there, it was amazing to see everyone show up and really support us,” said Beckman.
The tech’s heathcare plan wouldn’t roll over until the new year, but if passed, the rest of the contract will immediately go into effect.
“The RN health insurance that we’ll be moved to won’t start until January 1,” said Beckman. “But the contract will be in effect after we ratify on September 11, which was previously going to be a possible strike vote, but gladly we don’t have to do that.”
Currently, nurses are undergoing their ratification process, and MAST will ratify on Thursday.
