As we are reaching the end of May and approaching expiration date of May 31, 2019, we continue to make progress. The progress has been slow and we have not yet started to discuss economics. At this point in time, we have many hot topics on the bargaining table. We continue to reach tentative agreements on some contact articles and memorandum of understanding. Since our last update, we have signed off on:
· Article 31 Hospital Discounts
· New Article Workplace Violence
· Article 73 Health and Safety
· MOU #13 Patient Management Social Workers BGMC, MFSH, DMH
· New MOU MFSH Procedure for Temporary Closure of Units
· Article 92 Charge Nurse
· Article 40 Workers Compensation
· Letter of Intent Staff Incentive Plan
· Article 93 Hours of Work – Clerical Employees
· MOU #30 Adult Site RN and Surgical Technologist Floating Grid
· Article 34 Transitional Return to Work Program
· MOU #16 MFSH Registered Nurse Self-Staffed Closed Units
· Article 47 Training Program
· Article 62 Progressive Discipline and Remediation
· MOU #14 Bulletin Boards
· Article 7 Grievance Procedure
· Letter PA Position 2 East MFSH
· Letter PA Position Intensive Care Unit MFSH
· Letter NP Positions/Complimentary PA positions MFSH
· Article 46 Nursing Preceptor Program.
At this time, we continue to have discussions on items that we know are of significant concern to all of you. We are discussing:
· Article 66 Bargaining Unit Work
· Article 67 Contracting Out Work
· Article 15 Hours of Work and Work Schedule
· Article 18 Temporary Downsizing
· Article 19 Floating
· Article 26 Paid Time Off (personal days)
· Article 27 Paid Time Off Scheduling
· Article 35 Leave of Absence
· Article 50 Seniority
· Article 53 Job Bidding and Transfers
· Article 55 Merger Consolidation
· Article 63 Time and Attendance
Management continues to express that our contract language hinders their ability to staff. The Unions continue to stress that there needs to be enough staff to care for our patients. Kaleida must staff appropriately. Kaleida’s proposal regarding changes in scheduling for NP’s and PA’s is ongoing.
Be sure to return your completed “What’s at Stake” survey and continue to engage with your delegates, stewards, and mobilizers. If there is no struggle, there will be no progress.