July 20, 2010 - Our joint SEIU Local 121RN and United Healthcare Workers (UHW) Bargaining Team is united — united in mutual disgust at Barlow management’s economic offer for our new contract. Our Unions made a reasonable proposal that would allow Barlow to recruit and retain experienced RNs and healthcare workers.

But, not only did Barlow management offer us mostly nothing for pay raises, but they want us to agree to a two-tiered wage system that will give new workers even less incentive to work here. Why would we do that?

Where is management’s concern for patients and their continuity of care? Barlow is already simply a training ground for new grads to gain some experience and then move on to a better-paying facility. Currently, nearly 66 percent of Barlow’s staff has worked here less than five years.

Those of us who are full-time permanent employees are dedicated to our patients. Barlow is already below market wages for RNs and RCPs. Barlow proposed wage increases that could put the rest of Barlow employees below market rates.

It’s time for Barlow management to wake up and realize that the path they’re on only leads to continued loss of qualified and trained employees and marginalized patient care.
Here’s what management offered us:

                                     Year 1              Year 2                 Year 3
 
12-Hour Workers             0                     1 %                       1 %
 
8-Hour Workers               2 %                  1 %                       1 %
 
Per Diem *                         Adjust to Step 3 plus 12 percent *

*Out of 29 current RN Per Diems, none would receive an increase using this formula. For UHW, 19 out of 62 per diem workers would receive a raise the first year of the contract, mostly CNAs and Monitor Techs.

What Will We Fight For? How Far Will We Go?
Our Bargaining team needs to know
Whittier Satellite                                                     
Monday, July 26                                                      
& Wednesday, July 28                                       
7 a.m. to 8 a.m.                                              
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.                                                                
                                                         
Barlow Main
Monday, July 26
& Wednesday, July 28
7 to 8 a.m. (Williams Hall)
Noon to 2 p.m.
Midnight to 2 a.m.

Valley Presbyterian
Monday, July 26
& Wednesday, July 28
7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

All Local 121RN and UHW members are strongly encouraged to attend one of the membership meetings listed above (in break rooms, unless noted). Food and refreshments will be provided.

Click here to view and print flyer