Negotiations got off to a productive start on Monday with
both sides making initial, non-economic proposals (wages and benefit issues are
typically held back until some of the easier issues are addressed). The INA put forward proposals to address
workload and scheduling concerns raised by our members through the
surveys and face-to-face meetings.
Specifically, the union proposed
prohibiting mandatory overtime and increases to shift lengths without
mutual agreement. A union proposal would
result in one additional holiday off
each year and more meaningful observance of holidays for night shift
nurses. The union also proposed making pattern schedules permanent
unless changes are agreed. Another union
proposal would free nurses from having
to find their own substitutes for weekend vacations. Also, the union proposed extending break times.
Another important issue the union is addressing in
negotiations is Hospital Excused time.
The union has proposed prohibiting
involuntary HE once a shift starts.
We have also proposed a system that would distribute the burden of mandatory HE more fairly and would also
allow you to use EIB when HE’d.
We believe some progress has already been made towards:
* additional protections
for probationary employees;
* additional notice
prior to a lay off;
* additional recall
rights if laid off;
* more fairness when
a nurse faces discipline; and
* advance notice
prior to being pulled to another unit.
Of course, no tentative agreements can be
implemented until all issues have been resolved and, ultimately, you will have
the final say on the contract as a whole.
But not everything was sweetness and light at the
bargaining table. St. Joes has proposed:
* taking
away guaranteed rest breaks;
* counting
preceptees in the staffing count; and
* taking
away the right to become a CCRT
rather than be laid off.
Two of those proposals will lead to more overwork and the
other lessens our job security. We will
fight back against any proposal that contributes to being overworked by St.
Joes! We will continue to defend job
security at the bargaining table!
What
about wages and benefits?
All the items mentioned above are important, but most of
our members are anxious to know what is going to happen to salaries and
benefits. It is typical in negotiations
to resolve as many “non-economic” issues as possible before addressing
“economic” proposals. Rest assured,
economic proposals will be exchanged in the coming weeks. The next bargaining session is on January 23.
