We haven't had much movement in negotiations in the past several weeks. Management is against a wage scale which we believe would smooth out inequities in wages (as much as several dollars/hr for the same graduating classes) and help retain nurses, which we believe would improve patient safety and decrease retraining costs.
They have proposed an across the board general wage increase of 0.5%, 0.75%, 1% and increases in insurance premiums of 4%, 4.5%, 5% for full time and 6%, 6.75%, 7.5% for part time. This combination would mean a net loss for all nurses and an increase in turnover, leading to decreased patient safety and increased retraining costs.
They show no sign of moving. The next date they offered for negotiations was 5/22, almost a month away.
After much consideration, your bargaining team has offered the following.
A wage "range" based on graduation date, with a ceiling and floor to each graduation class.
Increases of 3%, 2%, 2%. If your increase leaves you below the floor for your class, then you would get an additional bump to reach that floor.
Increase in insurance premiums but smaller than what management had proposed.
This is a significant move by the nurses.
Management is looking at our proposal and promised to get back to us today or Monday. We have a breakthrough if they accept. I don't know what else we can compromise and still respectfully represent our members. We are in agreement on the rest of the contract.
The ball is in their court.
On another mater, tomorrow, Saturday the 28th, is Workers Memorial Day, to honor those who have lost their lives while on the job. Sue DelaCruz and Carol Adams will be representing us at the ceremony in Groton. If anyone can join them it's at 8:00 am in Washington Park. If, like me, you are working, or if you are otherwise unable to make it, please take a moment to reflect on these people and their families. If you do not live in eastern Connecticut, please search google for a memorial service in your area.
They have proposed an across the board general wage increase of 0.5%, 0.75%, 1% and increases in insurance premiums of 4%, 4.5%, 5% for full time and 6%, 6.75%, 7.5% for part time. This combination would mean a net loss for all nurses and an increase in turnover, leading to decreased patient safety and increased retraining costs.
They show no sign of moving. The next date they offered for negotiations was 5/22, almost a month away.
After much consideration, your bargaining team has offered the following.
A wage "range" based on graduation date, with a ceiling and floor to each graduation class.
Increases of 3%, 2%, 2%. If your increase leaves you below the floor for your class, then you would get an additional bump to reach that floor.
Increase in insurance premiums but smaller than what management had proposed.
This is a significant move by the nurses.
Management is looking at our proposal and promised to get back to us today or Monday. We have a breakthrough if they accept. I don't know what else we can compromise and still respectfully represent our members. We are in agreement on the rest of the contract.
The ball is in their court.
On another mater, tomorrow, Saturday the 28th, is Workers Memorial Day, to honor those who have lost their lives while on the job. Sue DelaCruz and Carol Adams will be representing us at the ceremony in Groton. If anyone can join them it's at 8:00 am in Washington Park. If, like me, you are working, or if you are otherwise unable to make it, please take a moment to reflect on these people and their families. If you do not live in eastern Connecticut, please search google for a memorial service in your area.
5 comments:
Post a Comment