Bargaining unit updates

Anna Jacques Hospital
RNs have ratified a new three-year contract that provides wage increases of 14 to 25 percent, along with improvements to the nurses’ health insurance benefits. The contract also includes a provision to improve staffing conditions for nurses and language to protect their union rights.

Brockton Hospital
Following our OSHA inspection regarding the issues of workplace violence, the administration responded by initiating a de-authorization vote. We filed an unfair labor charge and after a thorough investigation were able to prove that this venture did come from administration. The hospital had no alternative but to settle. It must post the notice for sixty days in the cafeteria, human resources and on the hospital intranet. This was a great victory for us. We are having an issue with administration doing away with nursing positions but refusing to honor the reduction in force language. This issue has gone to arbitration and will be heard in November. We also will be preparing for the up coming negotiations, as our contract ends in December. So, we will be back at the table soon. Burbank Hospital Nurses are in the process of electing new officers, revising their bylaws and preparing for upcoming contract negotiations.

Jordan Hospital
On April 11 the nurses at the Jordan Hospital underwent a RIF (reduction in force) procedure as the hospital is planning to close a unit, realign staff and better meet the needs of the community while improving the financial status of the hospital. Management worked closely with labor and we did not lay off one bedside nurse. That being said, it was a very stressful procedure for the entire hospital and we hope management recognizes that and doesn’t choose to use this method in the future except as a last resort. During the “bumping” procedure, nurses conducted themselves like the professionals they are. They remained compassionate and united and deserve many thanks. In the coming months we will be watching the positions that open up to ensure these displaced nurses are given “recall” rights to their former positions as they become available. We will be watching for the use of per diems. Please remember per diems are only used to cover “down time.” Down time is sick or vacation time for regular bargaining unit nurses. If the per diems are working in excess of those parameters, they are working in a position that needs to be posted. Please inform your nurses’ committee of any instances of per diem misuse.

Mercy Hospital
Carrying signs that read “BE FAIR TO THOSE WHO CARE” and “FAIR WAGES RETAIN RNs,” registered nurses at Mercy Medical Center held an informational picket line on April 15 to inform the public, and their patients, about the lack of progress in their contract negotiations. The RNs have been involved in contract negotiations with management since last October. The 300 nurses make up the MNA bargaining unit at Mercy. The demonstration comes at a time when inadequate wages and staffing conditions are preventing Mercy from attracting and retaining the nursing staff needed to deliver the level of care its patients deserve. Nurses continue in mediation and were slated to return to the table on May 8. In other news, the hospital has been ordered by an arbitrator to return a nurse to work after being fired.

Merrimack Valley Hospital
RNs have ratified a new three-year contract that provides wage increases of 22 to 33 percent, along with new contract language designed to limit the dangerous practice of mandatory overtime, limit “on call” requirements for nurses, ensure the proper assignment of nurses to patient units, prevent workplace violence and protect nurses’ union rights.

West Springfield School Nurses
An election for new offices has been held. Nurses are presently awaiting dates to negotiate their second MNA contract.

Worcester School Nurses
Nurses continue in mediation with some progress being made in the aftermath of scheduled weekly meetings.

		Springfield: Mercy RNs call for fair contract and quality care during April 15 informational picket.

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