Bargaining (Page 25)

The pension bargaining committee met today with the Hospital Representatives. A Federal Mediator was present. The MNA Pension Committee members  discussed the proposal the Hospital submitted via email on May 3rd, 2010. Your Pension Bargaining Committee presented the Hospitals a counter proposal. The Hospitals continue to demand draconian cuts to your pension benefits, stating their intent is to reduce their costs.

The Hospitals would rather spend time and money on scabs than maintaining your current pension benefits.  They are willing to spend $$$ – just not on you. Your Pension Committee is  recommending that Twin City Nurses vote to reject the Hospitals proposal and authorize a strike.
… Read more about: Pension Bargaining Update (May 14)  »

… Read more about: Children’s May 13 Update (Flyer)  »

… Read more about: HealthEast Update (Flyer)  »

We started negotiations this week like we did every other week – ready to talk about staffing.  And, like every other week, management refused to negotiate about our most important issue.  We expressed concern that management had a goal for falls in 2009 of 218 (there were actually 249 falls that year).  We know that it is nearly impossible to prevent every fall.  But, as the spouse of one of our team members, who has been a safety manager for 36 years said, “the ultimate goal should be zero, especially for never events.  If there are more than zero falls, you should be working diligently to work out why and to make it zero.”

Our staffing ratios are important because we will be able to provide better care and help prevent adverse events like falls.  
… Read more about: Park Nicollet Methodist Update (May 13)  »

From the MNA Children’s Bargaining Team:

Today thirty-five years of negotiations history came down to twelve minutes with the employer.  Today many of our Nurses came to tell their stories and show their support for our Care managers and our staffing proposal.  The employer finally arrived at 11:40 after all the nurses had left (perhaps management was aware of their presence and delayed their arrival to avoid the nurses?)  The employer’s last concessionary (take-back) offer, which is unchanged from last week, is what they want us to vote on.

The employer has been unwilling to engage in any meaningful dialogue about any of the proposals that we have brought to the table. 
… Read more about: Children’s Bargaining Update (May 13)  »

… Read more about: North Memorial All-Nurse Meetings (May 18)  »

… Read more about: Fairview All Nurse Meetings May 17-18 (Flyers)  »

Today was the last scheduled negotiation.

We presented a revised staffing proposal, easier for management to understand. The hospital rejected the proposal as costing too much.

We proposed a modified wage package.  The hospital rejected this proposal.

After the hospital’s caucus, they explained their staffing process and felt that it was sufficient.

After lunch, the Hospital gave MNA their final proposal. When asked if this was their final proposal, the hospital stated “This is our final offer today”.

We asked further, “Is this the proposal you want us to present to the nurse group to vote on 5/19/10?
… Read more about: Fairview Bargaining Update May 13  »