Once again, Jackson’s managers attempt to balance Jackson’s deficit budget on the backs of healthcare workers.
During the first RN bargaining session on July 15th, 2011, President Martha Baker, RN, warned Jackson’s managers that taking more from nurses could have consequences that would harm patient care. “Nurses are behind the market already working at 2007 wages,” she said.
Management’s proposals indicate they have a lot to learn about the nursing shortage. Many of their proposals may push nurses out the door, negatively effecting patient care and potentially increasing the overtime spend, which is already excessive at $1.5 million per pay period.
Below is a list of management’s proposed takeaways:
- ELIMINATE GUARANTEED WORKWEEK
- Eliminate the 3/4 work schedule, offering only 3/3 for 12-hour RNs
- Eliminate 40-hour pay for modified weekend schedule
- Take back 3% COLA increase
- Freeze step raises
- Eliminate flex dollars
- Continue current 5% contribution
- Propose PHT pension contribution similar to 3% FRS contribution
- Eliminate paid educational days
- Eliminate shift differential on non-productive time
- Decrease PL accrual rate by two days per year, reduce PL cap from 500 to 200 hours for current
employees and 100 hours for new hires (“Use it or lose it” proposal) - End PL payouts
- Freeze payout of extended illness for current employees; eliminate extended illness payout for new
employees - Eliminate “beyond the shift” overtime, and limit overtime to after 40 hours only
- Eliminate float pool, “everyone floats” and receive $2 differential for floating off-campus only
- Reduce break time
Thanks to all of our members who attended the bargaining session on Friday! Our unity is crucial during these tough times. Surveys will be coming out next week and we will announce future bargaining dates as they are scheduled.
CLICK HERE TO SEE MANAGEMENT’S PROPOSAL. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A DRAFT DOCUMENT ONLY. NONE OF THESE ITEMS ARE FINALIZED.
CLICK HERE TO SEE MANAGEMENT’S PHT PENSION PLAN PROPOSAL, WHICH IS SIMILAR TO RECENT FRS CHANGES