Labor Dispute

U.S.A. Massachusetts

Published

Anyone getting head hunter calls to travel to Massachusetts re a labor dispute? What's going on there? I received one of these calls yesterday.

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'Labor dispute' means the nurses are currently on strike somewhere, or about to be. They want you as a strikebreaker if the strike happens. You may be called a 'temporary worker' or some such, but strikebreaker is what you would be.

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Specializes in Pedi.

Did they say where it's for? I know a lot is going on at UMass right now...

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No I don't know which hospital. Yes of course I know what they're after, commonly called a "scab" but I do not judge those who go. They may have strong convictions for going and/or overwhelming financial reasons.

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I got that call too. I did a little searching and found this link.

https://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH11/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=HUFFMASTERS&cws=1&rid=453

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Yep, that sounds exactly like the info left on my machine, thanks for that! :yes: It would be interesting to see posts from anyone who has worked for them. I've never met anyone that has worked during a strike, but have heard horror stories from a couple travel nurses.

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I know a gal that is work a "lucrative travel nurse position" now and is telling horror stories out in CA...but to this date wont admit she is a strike breaker because she is working on one of their affliate facillities..Come on people don't cut your nose off to spite your face!!! The CNA is the strongest organization out there that has made a difference by enabling us to have legislative mandatory ratios......dont turn your back o n your profession. Without temporary workers management would have to dress up and play nurse...how long do you thing that would last before working conditions and patient safety issues on the table would improve???

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I am stating here that I have no intent to work as a strikebreaker! If anything, I would fly up there to walk in support. Still, I am interested to hear from those who have done this, and what they encountered. Also, I refuse to judge them.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I am familiar with these situations. These assignments pay well for a reason...you will work your behind off......the guarantee of 60 hours means you will be working A LOT. They do not hire a full compliment of staff and you will be working short. You will have to cross picket lines....but the nurses are respectful. If it is U Mass they have been abusive of the nursing staff for a while. Whne they were in financial straits a few short years ago the nurses made huge concessions to help them out....giving up benefits, pay, vacation time..etc. with the promise that it would all be reinstated when they were on their feet again....within 2 years they were not only on their feet but in the back by a few hundred million and have remained there....they have given back nothing.

Most of the labor disputes right now are over safe staffing and in MA the MNA has fought got and won....no mandatory OT.

These are tough assignments.....you are pretty much on your own and very short staffed. Great money....but a rough assignment. The nurses won't judge you there.......and admin? They get enough "replacement staff? that you will never see admin.

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Was that UMASS lakeside, or memorial?

I am familiar with these situations. These assignments pay well for a reason...you will work your behind off......the guarantee of 60 hours means you will be working A LOT. They do not hire a full compliment of staff and you will be working short. You will have to cross picket lines....but the nurses are respectful. If it is U Mass they have been abusive of the nursing staff for a while. Whne they were in financial straits a few short years ago the nurses made huge concessions to help them out....giving up benefits, pay, vacation time..etc. with the promise that it would all be reinstated when they were on their feet again....within 2 years they were not only on their feet but in the back by a few hundred million and have remained there....they have given back nothing.

Most of the labor disputes right now are over safe staffing and in MA the MNA has fought got and won....no mandatory OT.

These are tough assignments.....you are pretty much on your own and very short staffed. Great money....but a rough assignment. The nurses won't judge you there.......and admin? They get enough "replacement staff? that you will never see admin.

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

Years ago I worked for one of the largest companies with hundreds of facilities. One of the facilities was planning a strike. At the time, my building was non-union so we were asked if we wanted to go help out. The pay would have been twice what any of us were making so several of us said sure. They were going to hire a bus to take us there. The only instructions we were given were: You'll most likely have to lie flat on the bus floor because the people on strike tend to throw things like bottles and garbage.Luckily the strike was averted so none of us had to risk life and limb.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Was that UMASS lakeside, or memorial?

The one I'm referring to is Worcester/Memorial....but the actual facility I worked for was on the North Shore.

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