Strike and Lock out

Anyone interested in learning about how the RNS LPNS and techs are dealing with and learning about this can foLLOW on FB

rnlpnegotiations. L&M hospital

The website for the Hartford Courant has been doing an excellent job of updating the ongoing situation. Here is a link to their latest article: Topic Galleries - Courant.com

The mayor of New London, the governor of Connecticut, and a U.S. senator from Connecticut have all come out in favor of the strikers.

The lockout is now starting into the second week. How individual nurses and techs are coping can be found on Facebook and how the community at large is also responding. on fb rnlpnnegotiations should get you there.

L&M hospital unilaterally ended the lock out. It seems the costs of locking out their own employees, paying for traveling staff and paying the unemployment benefits for their locked out employees became to much for them to sustain. They have agreed to continue to work under the expired contract and continue to negotiate a new one.

It seems the public opinion against the nurses was pretty bad also. There are probably many unemployed new grads and seasoned RNs who would like their jobs.

Travelers are guaranteed x amount of hours regardless when they do strike duty.

There are only 4 states which allow unemployment for strikers and that is if the strike continues for 7 weeks.

An employer also does not have to continue to provide any health insurance benefits to strikers but in this case the hospital usually does as a courtesy.

As far as the politicians coming out in favor of a union...well of course. Who do you think contributes a large share of their campaign money which is part of your union dues even if it is for a candidate you do not like.

Companies have to survive and when a union demands more than possible, companies will take additional measures. There are hospitals closing throughout the US.

... striking nurses don't give up;)

Glad that worked out. Unions need to remain strong in these tough times. Otherwise we will lose all rights and benefits.

Just an update. The issues that caused the strike and subsequent lock out are still unresolved. The 2 locals r working under the old expired contract. Negotiations on new contract are probably going to reconvene in Feb. at the federal mediators suggestion.

With regArds to unemployment comp. the lockout was considered an unfair labor practice by the unemoyment office and by law the locked out workers were entitled to benefits. Since the employer was self insured

The employer had to pay all the costsof the benefit to the locked out workers

On 2/3 The Unions have voted to ratify a new contract that resolves the issues that led to the strike and lockout. As a result of negotiations the favorable concessions made by the hospital to the Unions, they have withdrawn their unfair labor practice charges against the hospital.

I understand that hospitals, facilities, and clinics, etc, are in business to make money, but I'm to the point of thinking 'at what cost to the patient and employee?' as a nurse, I do ok financially, but I will never be wealthy. So tired of that public perception as well. I wish that healthcare insurance would stop being the greed pile that it is! Until CEOs quit getting million $ bonuses, this will not stop. I agree that they need incentive for running a well run profitable company or facility, but stories like this are ridiculous! Prayers for anyone striking or having work issues, union or not!