UAN Nurses Strike

-jt · May 31, 2001

Minnesota Strike Update: 3:00 5/30/01 http://www.MNnurses.org

Talks End. Stage Set for Nation's Largest Nursing Strike.

Negotiations between nurses and hospitals concluded Friday evening when Federal Mediators advised both negotiating teams that a settlement was unlikely to be achieved. The two sides are still far apart on issues of staffing, scheduling and economics.

Hospitals presented an offer that upped the wage proposal a meager 1.1% for a few nurses and 0% for a bulk of the nurses. The proposal also inadequately addressed insurance caps and continued to ignore longevity bonuses that would reward loyal, long-term employees.

In addition, they proposed the introduction of a "blue ribbon panel" to study the nursing shortage. It is difficult enough to understand why a concept of this nature was brought to negotiations regarding workplace issues, but it is even more perplexing in light of the abundance of existing research already available about the issue.

The finest minds in the country have published extensive research findings and recommendations, including The Institute of Medicine, The Joint Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations, the American Hospital Association's own sub-group, the American Organization of Nursing Executives, and the American Nurses Association. MNA itself has helped Senators Wellstone and Dayton conduct hearings across the state on the nursing crisis.

Nurses are demanding action, not more research. And viable actions are already at hand, with successful examples of the American Nurses Association Magnet Hospital program that directly correlates nurse-sensitive indicators, such as staffing levels and input into workload, with positive patient outcomes.

The result is, as of June 1, 7,800 nurses will withold their services in a work stoppage starting at 5:30am.

Nurses are emphatically unified in their determination to stand up and speak out for safe patient care. Nurses have demanded bold changes in their contracts, and proposals advanced by the hospitals remain far from adequate.

Meanwhile, community support continues to pour in to the MNA offices from individuals and organizations in the form of memos, voices mails and pledges of donations.

If you would like to contribute to a strike fund to help nurses who may be walking the picket lines, please plan to do so after the May 31st deadline. Make your check payable to MNA Strike Fund and send Attn: John Lose, 1625 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul, MN 55108.

If you want to email words of support to us, send to: [email protected]

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Ohio Strike News

Residential Picketing - Gather at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30 at Strike Headquarters. We will caravan to the chosen residence.

Action Committee meetings - every Thursday, 4 p.m., strike headquarters. All are invited.

PRESS RELEASE - Thursday, May 24, 2001

After 8 hours of negotiations today with Forum Health and the Youngstown General Duty Nurses Association (YGDNA), talks broke off. YGDNA offered new solutions and major concessions to address the mandatory overtime issues, all of which were rejected by the hospital. We are extremely disappointed that an agreement could not be reached. No new meetings have been scheduled at this time. YGDNA remains committed to resolving this strike on behalf of the citizens of the Mahoning Valley and the 766 Registered Nurses on strike.

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Special thank you for the support from ONA members at the Cincinnati RN Association and Lima Memorial Hospital.

Picketing Schedule

The picket line is manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

- 2 hours shifts.

- Each shift begins on the even hour.

Job opportunities are posted at the Strike Headquarters.

Strike Headquarters

Medical Care Employee Federal Credit Union

630 Gypsy Lane, Suite 1

Youngstown, Ohio 44505

Next door to Northside Hospital

Phone: 330-746-6344 or 330-716-2196

Fax: 330-746-6351

E-mail: [email protected]

Office open 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., 7 days a week

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Dear YGDNA Nurses:

I wanted to e-mail your courageous nurses in Youngstown to thank them wholeheartedly for their letters of support as we also embark on our strike against Brockton Hospital in Brockton, MA. Seeing our concerns echoed throughout this great land has strengthened us beyond our wildest dreams, we thank you all and will forever fight for our patients rights to safe and quality health care ... we are with you in spirit ... God bless and keep you on the path to victory.

Julie Connors, RN, ER

Brockton Hospital

Brockton, MA

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Letter to the administration:

Mr. Jon Steen

Forum Healthcare

500 Gypsy Lane

Youngstown, Ohio 44505

Dear Mr. Steen:

On behalf of the greater Youngstown labor community, I would like to encourage you to redouble your efforts to settle the Nurses Association contract at Northside Medical Center. It is in the best interests of your patients, the medical center, the community and all nursing professionals involved in this dispute to come to terms agreeable to both parties. This can only be done at the bargaining table, and we urge you to keep working for a solution.

We would also like to mention that bringing in replacement workers does not lead to a harmonious bargaining atmosphere. Although patient care is of paramount importance, there also ought to be a way to reach resolution without endangering the good will and welfare of the loyal employees.

If Greater Youngstown AFL-CIO Council can be of any assistance at all, please contact me. We are very interested in how these negotiations proceed and in their outcome.

Sincerely,

Larry Fauver, President

Greater Youngstown AFL-CIO Council

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Letters to the nurses association:

Ms. Bonnie Lambert

District Three President

Ohio Nurses Association

Williamsburg West

5669 Mahining Ave.

Youngstown, Ohio 44515

Dear Ms. Lambert:

I was sorry to hear that the Western Reserve Care System/Forum Health administration failed to negotiate a fair contract with the nurses in that facility. I am proud to hear that the nurses are standing up for such a vitally important issues as health and safety, mandatory (forced) overtime, and patient care, as well as issues such as wages and pensions that ensure high quality professionals continue to be attracted to nursing.

The leadership that these committed ONA nurses are providing is inspirational in our nationwide effort to create comprehensive contracts that provide quality workplace for our nurses as well as a safe and strong helathcare facility for our patients.

Keep up the incredible work, and best wishes on a successful resolution to the contract.

Sincerely,

Camille Soleil, JD

Director of Labor Relations

Kentucky Nurses Association

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Dear Bonnie:

On behalf of the Illinois Nurses Association, I want to extend our support of YGDNA in your efforts to assure safe staffing for the citizens of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

Many of our members know the sacrifice that your members are making. We wish you a speedy and successful resolution.

Sincerely,

Carol A. Jenkins, MS, RN, CAE

Interim Executive Director

Illinois Nurses Association

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Dear YGDNA Nurses:

I found your site by emailing the AFL-CIO. My wife works at a hospital where a lot of travelers were working. As of Sunday, April 29, 2001, many of them were flown out to Ohio for a strike. They have a 16 day contract with the temp agency that employs them. I guess the hospital figures that you ladies can't last longer than 16 days, or they hope to settle within that time frame. It's truly a shame that these nurses enjoy making money off the plight of fellow nurses. Whatever happened to caring for individuals? I hope this information helps with your fight for a fair contract. I'm a steward at Verizon, and we sustained an 18 day strike in 2000. I hope yours is as successful as our was.

Chuck Dobry

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Press Release announcing strike.

May 1, 2001 - Registered Nurses members of the Ohio Nurses Association, and its affiliate, the Youngstown General Duty Nurses Association (YGDNA) will go on strike at Western Reserve Care System/Forum Health located in Youngstown OH. The strike is scheduled to take place on May 1, 2001 at 3:30 p.m.

There are 771 Registered Nurses members in the bargaining unit. Bonnie Lambert, President of the YGDNA said, "Youngstown Nurses would rather fight than quit. We are fighting for our patients, our families, our lives and our profession.

We have tried to negotiate an agreement that will attract and retain registered nurses; however, many issues remain unresolved." Two of the most important practice issues involve safe staffing and the elimination of mandatory overtime. The Ohio Nurses Association and the Medical Center are also far apart on wages and benefits. A mediator from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service has been involved in the negotiations for several weeks.

The Youngstown General Duty Nurses on strike would like to thank the following businesses and individuals for their generous support:

Pizza Joes

Pizza Joes - Boardman

Joe's Restaurant

Ron Verb

Beverage House

Pizza Outlet

Mary Jo Onder

Jennifer Branlett

Massage Therapy Center

Dr. Purary

Jody Vasey

Dr. Anonymous

Brenda Newlin Globeck

Ralph Globeck

Cafaro Company

Mocha House

Inner Circle

Sherry Cox

Bev - 2 West

Ohio Nurses Association (ONA)

Ohio Nurses Employee Association (ONEA)

United American Nurses (UAN) (The Union Arm of ANA)

Neighbor from hospital

Dr. Jamison

Teacher's Union

Teamster's Local 377

Lab

Sparkle Market -Union Square

Ron Bann

AFSCME 3577

Security

Rose Pasture, RN

Papa Johns Pizza

Dr. Thomas

Mother/Baby Unit

Merck

Nurses from St. E's

Local PEP #4

Local 64

Diane Wells - Sheetz (Girard)

Martha Eicher - CRNA

Dallas Hartman PC

Warren

Alex & Pat DiGiacomo

Cora Barthy & Willo Ferro

Alltel Boardman Office

John Lammerding

Magic Mocha Machine

Virginia O'Hare

Dr. Fred Kurz

Ponderosa

Betsy Waid

Car Team Boardman Firefighters

Struthers High School

Gary Reel

Phyllis Simon

Pediatric Oncology - Holly

Gail Halstead

John Gordon & UAW

Judy Stanfer

Dr. Soltis

Leonard Lucas, Melodies & Memories

Gabe Kramer & Staff SEIU 1199

Bill Detchon

Ray & Rose Ferrando

Tim & Judy McPhillips

YSU - APAS

Greg Johnson - Song & Music

Sherwin Williams - Austintown

Poland Giant Eagle

Elmtree Catering

Tastee Bakery

Natasha Wright

Dorris D'Errico

Gobel's Autobody & Towing

Pepsi Co. - Rodger King

Susan Savustuk

Dr. Meyers

Army Recruiters - Eric & Jay

Dr. Marina

Shirley Ann & Gerald Schultz

Darlene Tofil

Joan Leslie

Pasquales Pizza

Joann Ford

Kinko's - Nar

Staples - Ben & Paul

AFSCME - Retirees sub chapter

Leonard Stanfer

Randy @ Parkview Counseling

U.S. Air Force

Jan Foley & Family

Mrs. Julius - YSU Faculty

Mary Ann Lloyd

Debbie Shane

Faith Mrofchak

Vera West

Jody Vasey

Anne Traveline

Westside Bakery

Frattarolli Sparkle

Ron Evans

Jeanne Barker

Lois Gessner

Marijon

Becky Hook

Eric Jacobs

Paula

Teachers of Cardinal Mooney High School

Dr. Banks

Northside Security

Great Harvest Bread Co.

Asst. Mgr. Dave @ Sprarkle

Dr. Escobar

Dr. Anonymous

Donna Crchedi

Bill Fisher

Gloria Longue

ATC Healthcare

Candy Fatimus

Hillside Rehab Nurses

CWA 4300

Prof. Practice Unit St. Vincent's

Medical Resident

Union 1372

Teamsters

Gene Root

Sarah Root

1199 Parkview Counciling

St. E's Pacu & OR

Mike Basista

Massage Therapy Center

Big Daddy Revue

May Varley

Inner Circle

Hogbet's

Jeff Jarrett (Johnson & Johnson)

John Centofanti (Ross Labs)

Franchescisos Restaurant

Robin Marr

Acme Steak (Tony Tringhese)

Annonymous - Candy Bars

Dr. Yoon

Linda Glob

Westside Bakery

Linda Glock

Jack E. Fateley Jr.

Nancy Dieger

Dr. Banks

Amy Welmeyer

Donna Glydura

Dr. Cohen

Beverage House

John Lammerding - Archway

Virginia O'Hare

Med.. Employees Credit Union

Inner Circle Pizza

Papa John's Pizza

Dr. Terri Rich

Bev Bretscheider in memory of her son Ryan

SEIU 1199

Beth & Keith Showman

Bridget @ Spinners Sub Shop

Irish Bob's Pub

Donna Kennedy (UAN)

Bell Detchon

Pizz Outlet

Nurses From Gary Indiana

Mary Ellen Patton

Leila & Ray Leclerc

Taste-n-Tell Bakery

Companies refusing to cross picket line:

Schwebel's

BFI

Pepsi

Coke

Nickel's Bakery

Wonder Bread

Canteen

AVI

Stericycle

Dairyman

Area Florists

Papa John's

Directions to Northside Hospital can be found at the website http://www.OHnurses.org

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-jt · May 31, 2001

Minnesota Update -

Three hospitals settle with nurses

Three east metro hospitals operated by HealthEast Wednesday came to tentative contract agreements covering over 1,000 nurses, according to a officials from the hospitals and union.

The hospitals are St. John’s in Maplewood and St. Joseph’s and Bethesda Rehabilitation in St. Paul. Shireen Ghandi-Kozel, a spokeswoman for the Minnesota Hospital and Healthcare Partnership.

The three-year agreements, which will be presented to workers for ratification Thursday, call for raises totaling 20.8 percent and changes in "practice rules," said Jan Rabbers, the spokeswoman for the Minnesota Nurses Association.

With a massive nursing strike imminent, at least one other Twin Cities hospital went back to the bargaining table Wednesday.

Brock Nelson, chief executive officer of Children’s Hospitals and Clinics, said talks with the nurses union resumed this morning at about 9:30 a.m. If they reach a tentative agreement, it would mark the second departure from pattern contract bargaining that has so far led to a bitter stalemate.

Nurses at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale narrowly approved a contract two weeks ago. But master contract talks between the other hospitals and the Minnesota Nurses Association broke off Friday. Nurses say they will walk off the job at 5:30 a.m. Friday, launching one of the largest strikes in Minnesota in recent memory and one of the biggest nursing walkouts nationally in recent history.

It’s not clear whether other hospitals have also gone back to negotiations individually with the union, which had been the practice until earlier this month.

A “handful” of the 12 hospitals facing a strike by over 7,800 nurses were talking again Wednesday, said Shireen Ghandi-Kozel, a spokeswoman for the Minnesota Hospital and Healthcare Partnership, a management group. She declined to say exactly how many hospitals or which institutions had resumed bargaining. Children’s two hospitals, one in Minneapolis, one in St. Paul.

Jan Rabbers, a spokeswoman for the Minnesota Nurses Association, said she didn’t know of any bargaining Wednesday beyond Children’s.

On Tuesday, Children’s and union officials agreed to resume talks this morning, Nelson said. He declined to comment on whether Children’s was putting forth a new contract proposal.

“”We are in discussions right now and we would like to get a settlement and I hope we will,’’ Nelson said.

Children’s Hospital, which has 1,200 nurses, specializes in pediatrics. Over half of its patients are critically ill children, Nelson said. Thus, the hospital has fewer elective procedures it can postpone in case of a strike. “”We have a special mission compared to other hospitals,’’ he said........

[email protected]

See?????? THATS how it is supposed to work. Forget about finding "replacements" & get back to the table & comromise with the nurses to AVOID the strike in the first place. These hospitals in Minnesota just may be finally seeing the light.