Earlier this week, DC nurses flyered at the Renaissance Hotel downtown, just before Drexel University president John Fry was to speak. Fry is a board member for hospital chain Community Health Systems (CHS), who NNU, which represents the nurses, says has refused to listen to nurses’ concerns about patient care and safety at hospitals around the country.

CWA/PIW BARGAINING REPORT #4 October 27, 2016 The Union and the company met again today, Thursday, October 27, 2016. In the morning session, PIW responded to CWA’s counter on discipline. CWA spent the remainder of the morning reviewing PIW’s proposals from yesterday.

CWA/PIW BARGAINING REPORT #3 The Union and the company met today, October 26, 2016. The day was spent exchanging proposals. PIW presented proposals regarding a new attendance plan and substance abuse policy plus revisions to the arbitration procedure.

CWA/PIW BARGAINING REPORT #2 October 21, 2016 The Union and the Company met on Thursday, October 6, 2016 for a one day bargaining session. The two sides agreed to extend the contract 60 days to allow each side to continue negotiations. In the morning session the negotiating teams reviewed the information that was requested by CWA.

CWA/PIW BARGAINING REPORT #1 The Union and the company met Thursday, September 15, 2016, for the first day of bargaining. Much of the first day was spent with the two negotiating teams discussing issues important to each side.

Good afternoon Brothers and Sisters: Please join us at PIW’s “Mobilization Gathering” on Wednesday Sept. 21, 2016 starting at 6:30am. We will be providing a light breakfast and look forward to speaking with each member during this bargaining process. We will be there throughout the day until 4:30pm.

Good day Sisters and Brothers. Just a reminder that the “Bargaining Survey’s” that were mailed out 8-15-16, is due back by Monday August 29,2016. Please take the time to complete and return them to the Local office. Let YOUR voice be heard.

Mental-health advocates say Maryland desperately needs more hospital staff: The Washington Post/Josh Hicks; photo: Maryland state health worker Catherine Frazier calls on the state to hire more mental-health employees during a news conference in Catonsville, Md., on Aug. 8.

The 2016 Bargaining Survey’s will be mailed out to every member at PIW on Friday August 12, 2016. Please take the time to fill out the survey, as this is a way to let your voice be heard in the bargaining process. The survey is to be returned, via return envelope, to the Local by Monday August 29, 2016. Bargaining starts between CWA and PIW on September 14, 2016.

Spurred on by the federal government, hospitals in Maryland have moved quickly in recent years to roll out electronic medical records. The benefits are many. Electronic medical records can help patients avoid unnecessary tests. They help doctors tailor treatment even for patients they are meeting for the first time