We met with management for the third time on July 14 to discuss their concerns regarding the decreasing census and high number of flex hours. We are aware some managers have announced layoffs. At this time, the hospital has agreed NOT to issue any layoff notices.
We agreed to work through the issues and have all their concerns addressed by August 25. We asked management to freeze all open positions in the units that may be affected, as well as a few positions at SJPVH.
We believe we can meet their objectives without anyone losing their job. We think this can be accomplished by, among other things, freezing open positions, normal attrition, creation of the float pools and, possibly, voluntary severance with the benefits as described in the contract.
The units where they have proposed a reduction of staff are Critical Care, 2 North, 2 South, 3 South, 4 North, L&D, MIU and NICU. We have additional meetings scheduled next week to continue the process. Part of those discussions will be working with management to create float pools in the facility to help create a more consistent availability of staff.
If you have questions, please contact the following:
Adrianne Carrier 2 North
Nina Wells Education
Elaine Thomas Surgery
Cyndi Snyder 2 South (Noc)
Julia Arceo 2 South (Noc)
Jane Hays 2 South (Noc)
Union Representative Chris Slane, RN, at 805 279-1198 or slanec@seiu121rn.org