Today (Tuesday, November 27, 2018) we met with PIW and continued working on remaining contract language proposals so we can move the topic of negotiations from contract language to economic proposals.

Your contract initially expired in June 2015.  Bargaining did not begin until PIW/UHS had a new HR Director in place.  Negotiations began in September of 2016.  Meetings started by negotiating over contract language proposals.  These talks have taken longer than expected due to PIW’s goal of wanted to revamp the existing contract.  Throughout this time the contract has been extended and you are still working under the terms of your existing contract from 2011-2015.

There have been 13 tentative agreements reached so far.  They range from improvements in protections for members regarding work assignments; clinical concerns; job posting; substance abuse; safety and more. We are wrapping up the remainder of the existing contract language.

We have set dates for upcoming bargaining sessions to continue to make strides to get a fair contract.  As we continue to move forward don’t get caught up in misconceptions about negotiations.  Many of you should realize by now that many of the rumors that have been spread around the hospital have not happened.  Don’t allow yourself to be played.  Your bargaining team is always available to clarify or dispute any bargaining concerns you have.   We will continue to keep you informed with future meetings and updates.

Remember we are stronger together.