Wayne State union files unfair labor practice charges over Henry Ford talks

A labor union representing faculty at Wayne State University in Detroit has filed two unfair labor practice charges against the university’s medical school over what the union called “merger” talks with Henry Ford Health System.

But in a statement to Local 6075 of the American Association of University Professors-American Federation of Teachers, Wayne State University President Dr. M. Roy Wilson said no such talks are underway.

“There are not now, and there have not been, discussions for a merger between Henry Ford Health System and the School of Medicine,” Wilson said. “There are no negotiations that would require that any member of the medical school faculty give up his or her university status.”

In a July 26 letter to Wilson, Charles Parrish, president of AAUP-AFT Local 6075, called the affiliation talks between the medical school and Henry Ford a “merger” when it most likely will be an affiliation or joint venture. Parrish’s letter requested documents about the talks with Henry Ford and to be part of the negotiations.

The union alleges Wayne State officials have not responded to a July 10 letter requesting documents on a proposed affiliation with Henry Ford, a six-hospital system with a health plan and a physician group. The second charge contends Wayne officials have refused to meeting with union officials.