Carlos Migoya showed us his hand last week with his announcement of employee furloughs: he’s desperate for us to come to an agreement at the bargaining table.
While it’s a drastic, unprecedented and perhaps illegal move, this new development could be used for our advantage as we continue negotiations with management. We are still advocating for management to reconsider their original offer of $122 million in contract concessions. Now that Migoya has made this frenzied move, it’s time for us to think strategically of ways in which we can benefit from this crisis.
So how will we benefit? That’s up to you. Our union won’t be making any further decisions without your input. One of the greatest benefits of belonging to a union is that you have a voice regarding workplace issues. This is not a time to panic … this is a moment for us all to work together to find the best solutions for our members and for our patients.
Right now, here are some important facts to remember, especially if your manager asks you when you would like to schedule your furlough days:
- DON’T SCHEDULE ANY DAYS BEFORE DEC. 1st: Employees covered by our collective bargaining agreement cannot be forced to take days off before December 1st. Make sure not to schedule any days before that date.
- DELAY TAKING FURLOUGH DAYS FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE: Within the coming weeks, our union will be strategizing on how this benefits us at the bargaining table. Give yourself as much time as possible before scheduling days off.
- COME TO THE MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS: Your input is crucial at our upcoming meetings, which will be both informative and interactive:
JACKSON SOUTH
Tuesday, November 15th, 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. — Classroom 100
JACKSON MAIN
Tuesday, November 15th, 1 to 3 p.m. — Central 2 Auditorium
JACKSON NORTH
Wednesday, November 16th, 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. — Second Floor Auditorium