The morning started out with unexpected and pleasant welcome from RNs from St Joe’s, who brought the bargaining team coffee and muffins. Thanks so much to the RNs from Joe’s who showed us their support!
Today in bargaining we engaged management around several proposals. We started out the day listening to a presentation from Management’s financial people. They told us how poor HealthEast is and how much trouble they might be in in ten years. It seemed like the same old song and dance to me. How long has HealthEast been telling us they don’t have money? Kinda reminds me of “The boy who cried wolf.” They then told us they only made $2.9 million dollars in 2009. This begs the question, if this is true: Why did HealthEast CEO Tim Hanson get $1.12 million in salary last year? Why would they continue to build and remodel if they didn’t have money?
HealthEast then went through a series of six proposals. They talked about their proposal that would require RNs to float from hospital to hospital. We asked what the guidelines would be to determine what RN would float to which unit? They said they didn’t know. We asked if they actually had a written proposal to give us so we could analyze it and respond. They said they didn’t have one.
They proposed to eliminate our weekend bonus if we use any vacation or sick time. So, for example, if you got low needed and used your vacation time to supplement your check then you would give up your right to a weekend bonus? This just doesn’t make any sense. Modest Okorie, my fellow bargaining team member said: “Why would I voluntary pick a weekend to come in and work if I’m not going to get a bonus? I could be at home with the kids.”
We asked the employer if they had a wage proposal for us yet? They said they were not prepared to give us one today. If they are able to predict what their financial status is going to be in 10 years, how come they don’t have a wage proposal for us today? We’ve been bargaining for a month and a half now. It is time for HealthEast to come forward with their economic proposal.
One minor highlight was we came to agreement on one proposal that is an antiquated piece of language that both sides felt was no longer relevant.
We then told management that our staffing proposal was very important to all the RNs at HealthEast. We are waiting on a comprehensive response to our staffing proposal from management.
Just a reminder to all RNs, remember to sign up for informational picketing on May 12th at United Hospital in St. Paul. We need to send a strong message that nurses intend on moving our profession forward and improving patient care.
– Eir Borgersen, RN, MNA HealthEast Bargaining Team