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Current Grievances and Other News

Won at 3rd step

Vacation denied
A nurse on the weekend option used FMLA leave for an illness in her family. She was told that vacations she had planned for this summer would be canceled since she had already used her 2 weekends off. Staff cannot be “punished” for using FMLA leave. If an employee qualifies for FMLA, this time off does not count as vacation. Furthermore, vacation time that has been granted cannot be taken away.

Arbitration date set

The date has been set for the transfer arbitration in the Respiratory Care Department. It will be Friday, June 27. The location will be determined soon and will probably start at 9 AM. Arbitration meetings are open to the public.

New Contract goes into effect on July 1

Stop by the cafeteria or Peterson Conference Room (See schedule under upcoming events) and find out about your raises and other changes in the contract. Pick up a copy of the new contract.

Workers Health Clinic

Bottom line economics is threatening the UIHC Workers Health Clinic. A mass pass on May 13th highlighted staff concerns regarding this potential move. Some of the key issues include:

Unnecessary delay in treatment for injured or ill workers would occur when transportation time to North Liberty is added. Return trips to UIHC for specialty clinic visits and/or prescriptions would also require more employee time and increase transportation costs.

Patient care could be compromised when injured or ill employees might be gone for hours instead of minutes, and who most likely would not be replaced for the time they’re absent.

AFSCME and SEIU officers met with UIHC CEO Donna Katen-Bahensky and UI Benefits Manager Richard Saunders on May 29 to review our concerns. Hospital administration promised to keep the Unions informed. The final decision will be made by the University of Iowa administration. Your grassroots efforts may be needed to help the University make a decision that does not compromise injured employees benefits and jeopardize patient care.