Union Siblings,

This week, we have some updates after last week's negotiations sessions with the hospital. We had additional support from our international union, including our union lawyer, at the table with us. We presented two proposals that we hoped would help us conclude discussions of the non-economic part of our contract. Unfortunately, the hospital continues to insist we accept contract language that would seriously undermine our union and your rights. 

We, the union, are committed to the bargaining process, but the hospital continues to slow down the process by insisting on proposals that they know will be unacceptable. They want to limit your rights to sue them for wrongful termination and limit union access to our workplace. They also want us to withdraw the unfair labor practice (ULP) charges we have filed against them.

We refused to withdraw the charges and insisted on protecting your rights. For this reason, the medical center has threatened to revert back to proposals that they made to us in October. This was an attempt to pressure us into accepting another unacceptable package deal. This would have further frustrated the bargaining process. 

However, after further discussion, the hospital agreed to remove the unacceptable terms from their package proposal. 

The hospital has provided us with what they call a "more than generous" economic proposal. In addition, they attached a ratification bonus with an expiration date of February 13, 2024 to the package proposal. This bonus is nothing more than a distraction, and an attempt to pressure us into rushing to a deal that would attack your rights and provide regular wage increases that are well below what we deserve for all the hard work we do providing care for our patients. We will not give up the fight! 

We have been regularly available to meet with the hospital and will continue providing them our availability to bargain. We have every intention of getting our contract finished and ratified with your rights intact and livable wages! 

Your union continues to be your best source of accurate information about bargaining so please continue to stay informed and engaged with Communications Action Team members, who should have information on any updates or action days! We will resume negotiations on January 20th, 2024. Together, we are stronger!