June 15, 2010 - Our Union won the health benefit/401k case that was filed to arbitration when Prime first purchased the hospital. We are currently working out the details with Prime and will update members when we have more information.
Grace Haidenthaller, RN
Emergency Room
We meet with Human Resources as needed when we have issues. We work very hard to resolve any problems. Especially anything involving changes to benefits, we clarify and look into carefully to make sure we represent the best interests of our members.
March 2010 - Our SEIU Local 121RN stewards have been busy reviewing the following concerns from throughout the hospital with management. If you are involved in a particular issue and would like an update, please contact your shop steward.
Issues:
Reserve Sick Arbitration
Per Diem Grievances
In Lieu of Benefits
Health Benefits
UNUM Payroll Deduction
Wage Grievances
Per Diem Shift Requirements
Certified RN vs. Staff RN
New ICU/CCU Requirements
Preceptor, Relief Charge Pay
Based on information given to us by the hospital, our union has determined there are seven employees who are due back pay from July 2008 to July 2009. However, over the course of the year, many of you have had concerns about the step raises. If you believe you should have received a step raise, now is the time to get your questions answered.
Click here for details.
In Lieu of Benefits
Were you denied vision/dental benefits when you waived your health benefit?
The Hospital has agreed to settle this grievance and the Union is working on final settlement language. We recently learned that during open enrollment, HR allowed RNs to sign up for vision/dental even if they had waived their health insurance and will start paying premiums owed in January.
Our Union wants to make sure that all RNs signed up for the benefits they need. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this issue, please talk with a steward or call Judith Serlin no later than December 15.
Per Diem Grievance
The Hospital has just paid per diem employees money they were owed as a result of the per diem grievance. If you believe you are owed money and have not received notice from the hospital, talk with Nene or Grace, or call Union Representative Judith Serlin at 213 247-4584.
Attention Per Diem Nurses
The Hospital has just changed shift requirements from 3 shifts in a four week period to 6 shifts in 6 weeks. This represents another change in terms of employment. The Union has filed a grievance on this issue for all affected employees.
Flyer
:
Grievance Update Encino 120309
When Representatives from or Union met with Allen Stefanek to discuss benefit changes, he stated that Prime is shifting from a fully insured health benefit program to a self-insured program. Under a fully inured program, the insurance carrier either earns a profit or suffers a loss depending upon utilization rates. Under a self-insured plan, Prime would take a risk and either reap the profits or suffer the losses. Stefanek said that there were many reasons Prime chose to self-insure, including pending health insurance reform and an increase in premium costs.
During this same time period, Prime made changes to its benefit plans. The company is now offering a Prime healthcare PPO and EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization), which combines aspects from the HMO and PPO plan and provides access to Prime Healthcare hospitals and physicians with lower out-of-pocket costs.
These new plans are supposed to "mirror" current benefits. However, there is an increase in the calendar year out-of=pocket maximum for the dental plan that is "balanced" by an increase in payroll contributions for vision benefits.
See column at left of the attached flyer below and let a steward know which benefit coverage you prefer.
Co-pays are also higher under the new plan for durable medical equipment and home healthcare. When our Union pointed out these inconsistencies, Stefanek quickly agreed to adjust the plan.
Stefanek stated that the hospital is continuing to add doctors to their network and that they will look into doctors who specialize in "women's and children's healthcare." He also pointed out the flexibility available in the new EPO program, in which employees could go to a Prime facility or could use the Blue Cross list and see their own doctor.
Our Union has requested additional documentation and will continue to analyze the benefits. If you have questions, talk with a steward or call or email Judith Serlin at (213) 247-458 or serlinj@seiu121.org
Flyer: Prime Set to Change Encino Insurance Options
Oct 2009
At 2:30am Saturday morning after nearly a year of difficult negotiations, we reached an agreement with Tenet on a new contract. This great new contract is the result of the hard work we all put in over the last year. Once we vote on the contract, all the new benefits we achieved will be in effect.
-Year One: 5.25% Retroactive Increase
-Wage Scales/Annual Pay Increases – based on years of hire and years as a RN
-Arbitration on Staffing
-Education and Training Fund
-Ban on Subcontracting
-Maintenance of Health Benefits
-Right to Strike
-Faster Grievance Resolution Process
-Clinical Ladder (Encino)
-Tarzana and Encino – No takeaways
-Kentucky River Language
The ratification votes will take place at each of our hospitals over the next few weeks. We will contact you with more details about the votes in the near future. Your bargaining team unanimously recommends a ‘yes’ vote on the contract. We’ve attached a leaflet that contains additional details on what we were able to accomplish in the new contract. You should review it and distribute it to your coworkers. Once again, thank you for all your support through this process. We won!