Strike and Lock out

allnurses Guide · Dec 1, 2013

There is currently a strike at L&M Hospital in New London CT. This strike has escalated to the point the the hospital has locked out both unions locals that are striking. This includes all bargaining unit RNs,LPN, and technicians in the hospital. The issue revolves around job security. Namely the ability of the hospital to move jobs out of the hospital (ending that service in the hospital)into a newly created corporation and refuse to let the union workers who were doing that job to have (keep their jobs) in the new location. There is a current unfair labor practice case pending in re. this issue, but that could take considerable time to resolve.
Any thoughts comments on this issue?

It seems unfait to me so I'm glad an unfair labor practice (ULP) suit is filed.

I fear there is a nationwide concerted plan to move care from the safest location to a less regulated place such as an outpatient clinic or the home.

Partly I' concerned it may be purposeful union busting. Some employers will try to cut to the bone and discipline nurses who advocate in the interest of their patients rather than for the interests of the corporation.

Just cause discipline is necessary for patient advocacy when the employer is only interested in throughput and profit.

OC_An Khe · Dec 1, 2013

Anyone interested in learning about how the RNS LPNS and techs are dealing with and learning about this can foLLOW on FB

rnlpnegotiations. L&M hospital

lub dub · Dec 2, 2013

The website for the Hartford Courant has been doing an excellent job of updating the ongoing situation. Here is a link to their latest article: Topic Galleries - Courant.com

The mayor of New London, the governor of Connecticut, and a U.S. senator from Connecticut have all come out in favor of the strikers.

OC_An Khe · Dec 8, 2013

The lockout is now starting into the second week. How individual nurses and techs are coping can be found on Facebook and how the community at large is also responding. on fb rnlpnnegotiations should get you there.

OC_An Khe · Dec 20, 2013

L&M hospital unilaterally ended the lock out. It seems the costs of locking out their own employees, paying for traveling staff and paying the unemployment benefits for their locked out employees became to much for them to sustain. They have agreed to continue to work under the expired contract and continue to negotiate a new one.

TraumaSurfer · Dec 21, 2013

It seems the public opinion against the nurses was pretty bad also. There are probably many unemployed new grads and seasoned RNs who would like their jobs.

Travelers are guaranteed x amount of hours regardless when they do strike duty.

There are only 4 states which allow unemployment for strikers and that is if the strike continues for 7 weeks.

An employer also does not have to continue to provide any health insurance benefits to strikers but in this case the hospital usually does as a courtesy.

As far as the politicians coming out in favor of a union...well of course. Who do you think contributes a large share of their campaign money which is part of your union dues even if it is for a candidate you do not like.

Companies have to survive and when a union demands more than possible, companies will take additional measures. There are hospitals closing throughout the US.

Mindful, RN · Dec 23, 2013

... striking nurses don't give up;)

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Dec 26, 2013

Glad that worked out. Unions need to remain strong in these tough times. Otherwise we will lose all rights and benefits.

OC_An Khe · Jan 12, 2014

Just an update. The issues that caused the strike and subsequent lock out are still unresolved. The 2 locals r working under the old expired contract. Negotiations on new contract are probably going to reconvene in Feb. at the federal mediators suggestion.

With regArds to unemployment comp. the lockout was considered an unfair labor practice by the unemoyment office and by law the locked out workers were entitled to benefits. Since the employer was self insured

The employer had to pay all the costsof the benefit to the locked out workers

OC_An Khe · Feb 4, 2014

On 2/3 The Unions have voted to ratify a new contract that resolves the issues that led to the strike and lockout. As a result of negotiations the favorable concessions made by the hospital to the Unions, they have withdrawn their unfair labor practice charges against the hospital.

Hoosier_RN, MSN · Feb 6, 2014

I understand that hospitals, facilities, and clinics, etc, are in business to make money, but I'm to the point of thinking 'at what cost to the patient and employee?' as a nurse, I do ok financially, but I will never be wealthy. So tired of that public perception as well. I wish that healthcare insurance would stop being the greed pile that it is! Until CEOs quit getting million $ bonuses, this will not stop. I agree that they need incentive for running a well run profitable company or facility, but stories like this are ridiculous! Prayers for anyone striking or having work issues, union or not!