clcrtrn

I believe that was the purpose of my second post in response to yours. I saw the possibly confusing nature of my first post and replied that it was just that-my opinion. However, I did start the first by saying "I think..." certainly that should imply that an opinion would follow. I would like to clarify my statement, however. I dont think (opinion) they feel beaten, rather, I think (opinion) they feel they have gotten as much out of the hospital that they could at this juncture. A no vote would put more people in finacial difficulties and more apt to cross the line breaking the union. Beaten was an inaccurate word choice.

Just my opinion-and you probably know the old joke about opinions (it's not appropriate for this forum!); I am not part of the negotiation team so what I said is just that, an opinion, acurate or not. Regardless of what I posted everyone needs to vote what he/she feels. Enough of us are still pretty angry at the manipulation by administration with the offers they have made, including this one and will reject it as well. Administration's decisions are based on well thought out maneuvers ahead of time and our responses to them, not on the opinions of a nurse on a bulliten board.

I think at this point BOTH sides, hospital administration and our union leadership are thinking the same thing: we're (the nurses) tired, fed up and reaching the point of not caring anymore. The hospital is banking on us either voting the contract in OR crossing the line in huge numbers if it is voted out. The union leadership is feeling beaten at this point and are hoping we vote for the contract so that we DON'T cross and break the union. As for the nurses on the line? I've been getting feelings from both sides: "fed up and I'm voing yes" and "fed up and voting no." I think it's gonna be a close vote this time around.

We'll have to wait until Sunday at the info sessions to get all the information, however, I don't think there is anything else they can tell us. It looks like this is, again, the final offer. Are the changes significant? The only thing new from the previous final offering is that emergent care out-of-network will be covered as if in-network. We're still steered to go to RWJ for all other proceedures to forego any penalties. Just some observations, to put everything in perspective: Initially we we're going to have to pay more for our insurance; those of us who are with RWJ for a while are getting their insurance for free were going to have the most significant change in that they would now be paying. Under the new proposed contract those changes will not occur. We would now get emergent care at an out-of-network facility as if it were inner circle. The other changes as outlined are minor and don't affect everyone as do the healthcare issues. Is it enough? That's for each one of us to decide individually. Regardless of the outcome of the vote we all have a lot to be proud of. We still show an increadible amount of resolve and solidarity. The weather sucked for a good part of the strike but we've been out there every day. We have a HUGE amount of support from the community, other organizations, politicians and even a Hollywood celebrity! The candle light vigils were very inspiring and helped to cement our solidarity. We even made YouTube and Wikipedia! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Wood_Johnson_University_Hospital Could things have been done differently? Hind sight is 20/20. Chalk it up to a learning experience all around. We probably should have gone out when we first said we would before Corzine stepped in and asked us to hold off. There was no way the hospital was ready then; our leverage would have been much stronger. Saturday night picnic candle light vigil! :smiley_aa Everone show up; lets all show how united and strong we are before the vote!

Update 9/13: Looks like it might be over soon; there will be a vote on a new contract Sunday. The website explains all the changes we will vote on: http://usw4-200.org/strike913.htm

No has asked for or would ever expect free healthcare. Our biggest complaint is the penalties for out-of-network and the increasing difficulty to find in-network doctors within a reasonable timeframe. Ignorance is the disease....researching all of the info is the cure.

quote: originally posted by clcrtrn again, there is more to the issue than the choice of hospital. an increasing number of doctors at rwj are dropping their acceptance of the current plans due to difficulties in receiving or decreases in reimbursements. nurses have been denied coverage for proceedures because there are no doctors within the rwj inner circle to perform them. the union has presented an alternative package that would save the hospital $1.5 million over the life of the contract. from lee1: so, you are trying to get better out of network for nonemergency care? i agree with zashagalka that will cost them much money. how about just one point?? as i stated, we presented a plan to save the hospital 1.5 million...more if they included all the rwj network hospitals.

Again, there is more to the issue than the choice of hospital. An increasing number of doctors at RWJ are dropping their acceptance of the current plans due to difficulties in receiving or decreases in reimbursements. Nurses have been denied coverage for proceedures because there are no doctors within the RWJ inner circle to perform them. The union has presented an alternative package that would save the hospital $1.5 million over the life of the contract.

Again....read all posts; I've tried to update with the facts of the matter on a regular basis. Check the website. Part of the reason is the hospital's refusal to talk, to bargain in good faith. great Wilfred Owen quote by the way!

There is a whole lot more to the issue than what you have simplified it to ZASHAGALKA. If you read all the posts and even check out our union website you'll get the entirety of the situation rather than call our valid reasons silly.

yes, fedup, you got it! the figures were inflated and reported by the hospital to smokescreen the issue of our wanting a better healthcare package. this article acurately adresses the salary issue as well as the amount of money they are paying the scabs: http://www.thnt.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?aid=/20060908/news/609080459&searchid=73256369895576

"We are always ready to sit and listen to what the union has to say," said John Patella, the hospital's spokesman. "We've offered them a great deal that keeps them as some of the best-paid nurses in the state and an excellent health plan. We hope they take another look at the great offer we've made them." Home News Tribune Online 09/9/06 Let's hope there are some meaningful negotiations and offerings from the hopital. If the preceeding quote is an example of how the hospital is going to come to the table it will be business as usual. We've heard the same line from Patella from the begining. The last line doesn't sound as if they are coming to bargain, rather they're coming back with the same offer.

Understand the facts prior to the strike: During the weeks prior to our initial intent to strike we had several meetings in order to come to a resolution; in all cases the hospital refused to talk. The only response they had was that their offer was final. We postponed our strike at the request of Gov. Corzine in order for the hopital to initiate an effective contingency plan. At a final meeting before the strike day, administration literally walked in and walked out, without a word. They have refused to bargain in good faith from the begining. Understand the facts since the strike: The union has been relentless in their attempts to get the hospital back to the bargaining table. We have had news conferences maintaining this stand; Our last included the presence of and promised support from local and state legislators to try and get the hospital back to the table. We went to a town hall metting at UMDNJ and spoke with Gov. Corzine asking for his help in getting us back to the table. There has been an unending letter writing campaign to state and local officials and news media about our wanting to get back to our patients where we belong. And still the hospital refuses to talk. I'll reiterate, and perhaps clarify: THE HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION is to blame for the continuance of the strike simply by refusing to talk. Yes, WE are the ones who went on strike. To "blame" us would mean that one does not accept the right to bargain collectively, which includes the right to strike. Striking was the last thing we wanted: we knew the first to suffer would be our patients. It was the hospital's responsibility to assure the quality of care if we did go on strike. We were told, as were patient family members and the community, that an effective contingency plan was in effect. In their arrogance administration underestimated our solidarity and commitment. They were not preparred as they had mislead everyone to believe.

the tone of these posts have turned decidedly confrontational. please, lets all remain civil while exercising our right of free speech.

Administration is completely to blame for the current situation. They pushed us to a strike thinking that we would not remain united and instead, accept the healthcare plan as poor as it was. During the last couple of meetings between the hospital and the union, the hospital adamently refused to talk. At the last meeting, administration walked in and walked out-literally. They have refused to bargain in good faith from the begining. We have always maintained that we want to get back to the patients and repeatedly asked the hospital to come to the table, negotiate and put and end to the strike. They have consistently refused. THEY are the reason the strike is lasting as long as it is. THEY continually refuse to talk. THEY are putting the patients at risk.

First of all, thanks to everyone for the support in these posts. I know at least one other reader and poster is also a RWJ nurse on the line; to hear so much positive feedback to our plight is uplifting! Our insurance is good through the end of September...I can breathe a little easier now! Some nurses on the line have been getting calls from head nurses stating that 50 more nurses crossed the line and would they want to work this weekend. TOTAL LIE!!! So far only 60 total have crossed. Sounds like they're getting desperate. Finally....somewhat more positive, if not more truthful articles!! http://www.thnt.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060908/NEWS/609080459&SearchID=73256256952403 http://www.thnt.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060907/NEWS/609070498&SearchID=73256256988387 http://www.thnt.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060906/NEWS/609060355&SearchID=73256257014562 week 3, still standing strong!!!

9/6 Update: A large group of us attended a townhall type meeting at UMDNJ where Governor Corzine was the guest speaker. After a short speech about the University he opened the floor to questions. We were able to get 3 people in with questions before time ran out. We raised the issue of the strike and getting both sides back to the table. He said he would definitely do what was in his power to do so; he recognized the lack of communication and said that there were no winners at this point. He also admitted that things were not up to the standards we would provide if INSIDE where we belong; being a politician he played both sides of course saying that in any substitution situation things would not be the same, but the administration was doing the best that was possible. Communication, or lack of, was the biggest issue; he stated that he would get both sides together.

9/4 Update: Candle light vigil and news conference tonight....another great turnout!! Looked like about 1000 of us. NJ State Senator Bob Menedez spoke as well as a couple of local assemblymen and other unions' reps. All were in strong support of our cause!! A news chopper was hovering during the event...not sure who it was. Some pics: http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/clcrtrn/IM002024.jpg http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/clcrtrn/f34da685.jpg http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/clcrtrn/125330e1.jpg http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/clcrtrn/8fb442bc.jpg http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/clcrtrn/IM002022.jpg Now we have some political clout with us...administration better take a good hard look and listen. Each day they loose more ground and money paying the scabs. Someone I work with, on the inside now, was told by a scab nurse that she is getting $150 an hour got a $3600 sign on bonus and can't wait to spend it on her vacation. Administration's priorities are so screwed up. In the end we will win..... STILL STANDING STRONG!!!!!!

8/31 update: because of the strike, our health insurance ends as of midnight tonight; unless we go with cobra or flip to a spouses coverage some of us will be in "health coverage limbo" until we negotiate a new contract. i myself will hang tough for the duration; it wouldn't make financial sense to go on my wife's plan at this time(i'd have to be on for the rest of the year) so while we negotiate i'll be sure to be extra cautious and stay healthy! looking back on the past few weeks, the pieces start to fall into place. the hospital wanting to postpone our initial strike, the paltry offerings- all were calculated moves to put the strike at the end of the month in hopes that we would cross when the insurance ran out. we were 1000 strong on wednesday night and are ready to tough this out!! the sounds of 1000 voices screaming "we will not cross!" was up lifting. friday morning we're tring to get as many nurses on the line to show administration that they were wrong in predicting that 250 would cross. so far only 40 out of 1300 have crossed!! keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we get through the next few days until the federal mediator steps in next week. in solidarity!!

update 8/30 Candelight vigil tonight in front of the hospital...close to 1000 showed up!! It was a very moving night; lots of support from people as they passed, beeping in spite of the "horn blowing prohibited" signs placed by the hospital. Family members leaving the hospital were beeping and raising victory signs as well! some pics!! http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/clcrtrn/IM002001.jpg http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/clcrtrn/IM001990.jpg http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/clcrtrn/IM002004.jpg http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/clcrtrn/IM002006.jpg http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/clcrtrn/IM002003.jpg The finger pointing has started a well; the hospital says in a recent article that union negotiators did not properly let the needs of the nurses be known to the hospital. A federal mediator is stepping in http://www.thnt.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060830/NEWS/608300378&SearchID=73255381022728 Another vigil Labor Day night...if in the area come by, show your support!! STILL standing strong

8/29 update: Still no progress regarding talks; the hospital still refuses to talk. We held a news conference in front of the hospital today with a local cable news station WMBC. A few of the nurses who had problems with their benfits spoke. Of note: nurse who had a double mastectomy/reconstructive surgery due to cancer denied coverage. Why? concidered cosmetic, not neccesary. Another nurse had gastric bypass surgery after years of weight problems, declining health and knee problems; after months of wrangling with insurance people and administration she still is stuck with tens of thousands in bills. Why? the proceedure was concidered not neccesary, inspite of a marked increase in her quality of life afterward. She regularly takes care of patients who undergo the EXACT SAME PROCEDURE that she underwent with full medical coverage! Another nurse's husband had complications after being diagnosed with cancer. He was emergently rushed to a local hospital (she live 45 minutes from RWJ) in septic shock. When the bill came in they were hit with thousands for the stay at the local hospital. when asked why the charges she was told her husband should have been stabalized and transfered to RWJ! We have presented a plan that would provide full coverage no matter where an employee chooses to go and save the hospital 1.5 million dollars over the 3 year contract!! Is that being greedy? Is being penalized for using another facility because of convenience or expedience fair? The hospital would like the public to think so. They continue to spin the same story with inflated inaccurate salary numbers and the increase in coverage-all to Robert Wood Johnson Hospitals. Convenient for them, but not for the rest of us who live up to an hour away. Then move! or get another job! some people will say. We are a dedicated bunch. We love working at RWJ and enjoy the being part of a highly regarded institution. If we were greedy, we would be inside working with the SCABS doing overtime or earning the bonuses the hospital has tried to bribe some of the nurses with. STANDING STRONG!!!!

Quick update: Sunday- still no talks scheduled in spite of our numerous requests to get back to the table. We don't need to be out on the line; as reports come in it's evident the hosptal is ill prepared for the situation regarding care of the patients. LET US GET BACK TO THE BEDSIDE! One of our nurses, a union steward, was interviewed Saturday live on the radio, 1010WINS; one of the interviewers was trying to steer from the healthcare issue, the reason we are on strike. He kept referring to the erroneous and inflated salary numbers reported by the hospital. Our guy stood his ground and made it clear that this was not about salary but inadequate healthcare and unfair labor practices. We are trying to set up a news conference this week with some of the local media; we will have nurses there with their personal horror stories dealing with medical bills and penalty charges under our plan. Thanks to all for the support and positive feedback as we continue the fight to get back where we belong-at the bedside taking care of our patients as the highly trained, dedicated,caring professionals we are!

Quick update: Day 1 of the strike we had 1100 nurses on the picket line!! Management was expecting The Childrens Hospital nurses to cross...not a single one did. In their arrogance and misjudging our solidarity they did not transfer the PICU patients out two weeks ago as was arranged. Thursday morning saw a parade of ambulances scrambling out kids that should have been taken care of properly in advance. Nursing management is working 5 days a week 12 hour shifts...no over time. The hospital is paying the SCAB nurses 3 times the hourly salary we get to provide sub par coverage. We lost our Magnet staus, Level 1 Trauma status and our Homeland Security reginal hospital designation. Family members have been complaining that care is below what they have been getting. We have made numerous requests to get back to the table. We have even made offers to send in a team to help in the stabilization of critical patients should the need arise; all have been denied. We want nothing more than to end this and get back to our patients and give them the proper care they deserve, yet management refuses to come to the table. http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060826/NEWS03/608260340/1007 http://www.thnt.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060826/NEWS/608260358/1001

The biggest issue is the penalties for not using RWJ for proceedures, admissions etc. and the lack of coverage for some sevices. Not only is there a deductable (reasonable enough), but there is a $800 penalty PER INCIDENT if RWJ is not used. Alot of nurses live 45 minutes to an hour away. It seems a bit insenitive and extreme to penalize valued employees so heavily for wanting to obtain health care closer to home. There a numerous instances of services not being covered for any number of reasons even though nurses followed the guidelines set up by the plan. One nurse has a child who needs frequent proceedures that are not provided by RWJ or any affiliated hospitals. She must pay $800 every time she takes him. One or the largest cardiology groups affiliated with the hospital no longer accepts the insurance coverage provided by RWJ because of reimbursement issues. As the past few weeks went on more and more people came forth with similar stories of problems with their coverage or being called by hospital appointed collection agencies for outstanding bills, the majority of which were accrued penalties. http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20060824005412&newsLang=en