Stanford/LPCH contract negotiations

[vanlo001]

Top 10 reasons CRONA nurses must reject the hospitals "last, best, final offer".

10. The sign on bonus was specifically included to blind members to the hospitals ultimate agenda. It is a smooth move that plays on everyone's fears in hopes of dividing CRONA members. Even if we reject the proposal the sign on bonus rema...ins in play. April 1st is not the date we strike- it is the date our contract expires, but only CRONA members can decide to strike.

9. The PNDP remains unattainable for the majority of nurses. The application process is time consuming. Put aside the flaws of the point system, to prepare the documents for your application and to submit it to the manager then come in for an interview before the board and to have to do this each year is unrealistic. Once you earn you CN III or CN IV the duration of your status should be 2 years.

8. The point system is undervalued still. We must see some movement on the point values. We no doubt need a more effective PNDP but there is still much room to make this an attainable and realistic point system for the highly skilled nurses at LPCH. For example, 500 hours as resource RN should be worth more than 2 points.

7. The application for Clinical nurse III should be automatic if all the points are met, and approval dome by the unit manager. The sheer numbers of RNs who meet qualifications for clinical nurse IIIs and IVs would make it impossible for the committee to approve applications in the timeframes they have alotted. If we aren't able to meet with the committee than we can not be promoted.

6. The corrective action portion of the PNDP must be removed. Anyone of us at any given time could be given a corrective action. Under their last, best, offer that would mean you would be demoted to clinical nurse II, and ineligible to move up for 2 years. If you have never had a corrective action you haven't been a nurse long enough. It can and will happen at the discretion of those in management.

5. The PTO/ATO take-aways and the establishment of the extended sick leave "bank" is a way to "say" they are giving us leave hours knowing that it's almost impossible for most nurses to use their extended sick leave bank. You must first be absent so many days before you can touch this ESL "bank". Just because SEIU and other hospital employees have settled for this does not justify us having to step into this model, which is less than our current system.

4. We are the backbone of the hospital. We assist doctors in residency and in varying levels of schooling in the care of our complex patients. Our professional knowledge and care needs to be acknowledge. We already make less than other hospitals and our dedication to this hospital shows we are not just in it for the money. But we are professionals. The wage proposals are the minimum we should expect especially in light of the proposed PNDP.

3. Retirement. The retirement plan is far behind most other hospitals plans. We in the medical profession should have some assurance that if we commit ourselves to the care of others than we will be taken care of when we retire. If they are going to stick with the matching program they could fo better.

2. We should receive a bonus because the hospital has failed to offer us a fair contract despite the diligent efforts of our CRONA team. We should unite and show support for our union that stands by us and defends us in corrective actions. Ask why the hospital is talking directly to members yet failing to negotiate at the table. It is because they hope to divide the union We deserved to be presented with an equitable contract and their attempts at a last, best, final offer should be met with a resounding NO.

1. THIS IS ONLY THEIR BEST AND FINAL OFFER IF WE LET IT BE. They can and will return to the bargaining table if we as a union reject their proposal. They are counting on the ratification bonus dividing us. Do not let that happen. A united vote is a powerful vote. Vote no to their proposal, force them back to the table, and walk away with that bonus when we have a contract that fairly awards the bedside nurse for their skill and expertise.

[caliotter3]

As long as I have ever known of this place, there has been labor controversy. I find it hard to envision being able to work there.

[vanlo001]

Thanks Caliotter- but once you work here it is hard to walk away from the dedicated and hardworking nurses.

[PICUPNP]

There are dedicated, hard working nurses all over the states.

[vanlo001]

I absolutely never meant to take away from the fact that there are hard working RNs in every state and find that response odd. I've worked in many states and each group of nurses stood out in a special way. Nurses are incredibly gifted people who touch the lives of many and every nurse should be compensated appropriately for the intensive work they do. Kudos to you for pointing out that fact.

[PICUPNP]

Sorry. Was just making statement. Didn't mean to come across in negative way. Have a great day!