During this year’s negotiations, we will be sending out regular video updates via YouTube and email, increasing our use of our Facebook page and website, and distributing paper flyers as necessary in our facilities to keep all members up to date.
Make sure all of your co-workers are In the Loop by clicking here to remind them to get signed up for negotiations updates!
If you haven’t “liked” our Facebook page, click here.
Today was our first day of negotiations, we started with introductions, and our bargaining committee and the employer read their opening statements and gave their non-economic proposals.
In our opening statement were some of our goals for negotiations, which include:
- Actively seeking equality with workers in other facilities
- Continuing our union representation
- Better relationship between labor and management
- Equal pay with employees in other facilities for the same job
- Enjoy and take pride in our jobs
- Respect our job and the benefits that it brings to our communities
- Expect and desire for a fair contract that shows a new vision of respect and dignity
Our bargaining team all wore stickers with the statement, “working for justice and equality” These are the same stickers that members were wearing in the facilities.
The employer’s opening statement emphasized two common themes:
- We should be good stewards of our limited resources
- We need to be flexible to adapt to the continued changes in healthcare
The employer has claimed to provide millions and millions and millions of uncompensated care to the community because people are out of work, and they are also squeezed by the reimbursement system. At this time it seems that they want to take it out on the backs of the workers.
Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward. We will be meeting every Tuesday through February.
Be sure to sign the petition of support, and wear your stickers in the facilities. If you have any questions, or would like more information contact a bargaining committee member or FACTs team member.
