Money saving measures used by employers

[AlsgalRN]

This week all staff at my hospital received notice of changes that the hospital will be making. There will be no pay raises this year. For one year, there will be no matches to our 401k. They will be cutting PTO and evaluating other benefits. For this year, our bonus program that was based on hospital financial status and patient satisfaction has been canceled.

What is happening where you are?

[Princess_M83]

No more PTO Cash in (we were previously allowed to cash in 40 hours per year). No 403 B match, no bonus shift pay, no tuition/loan reimbursement, no sign on bonuses, Eliminating higher paid weekend option positions

[Jules A, MSN]

They lowered the 401k percentage that they contribute and have reduced our staffing to ridiculous levels. I know our census is the same as its been for the last two years so it really makes me suspicious that they are just jumping on the "horrible economy" bandwagon.

[truern]

Exactly the same!

[mama_d, BSN, RN]

Princess,

Methinks you and I work for the same system, quite possibly the same facility :)

Would your place also be only giving a 2% raise this year as well, instead of the standard 3.5%? If so, I think we have a match.

[shodobe]

Doesn't seem they are doing anything different than most corporations today. I think we can all see matching funds go away and pay raises will be far and few between anymore. Cuts in PTO are a bit cold but not unexpected. These are items that unions need to look at more than getting that raise every year. I would rather forgo a raise and still keep matching funds for my 403. Cuts in benefits are very important to avoid. We just recieved our last pay raise for this contract, 4%, and I don't expect much in this next one. I just hope the negotiating team doesn't get too greedy. Also with this economy and the recent closures of some hospitals around the country, people should reflect back on how lucky, in some ways, they even have a job.

[CathyLew]

lower staffing, trying to make us cut back on Overtime...which is hard, when they cut staff. they can't touch our benifits or wage, since we are union.

we see cheaper stock.... less than generic. bandages, depends, different brands....makes you wonder if they found a cheaper vendor, or if they didn't pay bills at the last vendor!

[Midwest4me]

Well our union --I am a state employee--is in the midst of negotiations right now and we have until June to reach an agreement. At stake is : 1) our regular monthly hours(governor wants us to take 24-26 days WITHOUT PAY per year and on those days that we are unpaid and therefore off duty, governor is suggesting that we do some community service). 2)holiday pay: the governor wants to eliminate all paid holidays except New Year's Day and Veterans' Day. THAT will be interesting if passed---can you imagine the sick calls into work on the holidays? They will escalate as few will want to work if no holiday pay is given. There are more cuts suggested but can't recall them.

[shodobe]

State employees are just that, employees of the state. The gov can't get private industry to furlough their employess so the next best thing, the states! It seems your gov might be taking our's as an example on how to save money. At least you are only looking at losing up to 26 days whereas Calif employees are looking up to 52 days! Why Veterans day and not Christmas? I guess a seperation of state and certain churches because you are a veteran no matter what religion. Cheap shot on his part.

[locolorenzo22, BSN, RN]

my hospital cut our christmas bonus...but we wound up getting a bonus based on the fact the hospital finished in the black this last fiscal year....was less than what I planned(100.00) but better than nothing.

Right now, we are just seeing different suppliers....I'm waiting for the non 403 match or low tuition reinbursement, etc....just a matter of time.

[grandee3]

Christmas bonus, Ha!

My employer put out a memo in November asking us if we wanted a catered Xmas party, with no $10.00 gift certificate for a turkey at Winn Dixie, or a pot luck and gift certificate. We voted for a pot luck. We are still waiting for our $10.00 certificate. Thank God we were not counting on it for our Christmas dinner.

[sclpn]

my hospital just layed off 200 people, has a hiring freeze and will have another round of lay-offs in september if not sooner.