Yesterday, we had our first round of negotiations with the employer. Here are a few key pieces of information about management’s proposals:
Management proposed having sole control over the number of per diems in a department rather than having contractual constraints on the process.
Management proposed making it more difficult to transfer between departments.
Management proposed expanding their ability to place Caregivers on call.
Management proposed giving themselves unilateral control over our dress code.
No agreement has been reached on any of these questions, and as a union we will advocate to protect the rights of our PECSH-MNA Caregivers.
Based on your priorities in the bargaining survey, your elected team began to make a series of non-economic proposals to improve our workplace. Our proposals included:
Creating a fairer process to protect against unjust discipline.
A comprehensive health and safety proposal, including expanded rights to PPE.
Better facilities and expanded access for breastfeeding mothers.
Making it contractually clear that a Code status (eg: Code Triage or “Staffing”) is not meant to be used for regularly occurring situations.
Management has yet to agree to our proposals. Neither side has made “economic” (eg, wages, retirement, healthcare) proposals yet.
Given that they are building new facilities, there can be no doubt that Sparrow has resources. As Caregivers, we know that our status quo is not tenable. We hope that Sparrow will be true to their stated commitment to value safe staffing and retention. We will continue to bargain in good faith and will hold Sparrow’s administration accountable should they break their word.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please feel free to reach out to any of us on your bargaining team or any of the BAT members. You may also email us at PECSH88@gmail.com. We, your elected representatives, are at the bargaining table to be your voice!
In solidarity,
Your Elected PECSH-MNA Bargaining Team