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Bargaining Team Thought

Your bargaining team fought hard to make the gains achieved in our new 2003-2005 contract. Here is how the view their experience

 Marjie Caruth, RD

These contract negotiations were difficult. Management appeared bored, disinterested and out of touch. There was little attempt at real understanding on their part during most of the sessions. I believe this stems from a lack of leadership from the very top, an administration that believes that control, rather than collaboration, will solve staffing and financial problems. The union did not give up any protections in our current contract, and did make some progress in several areas. We avoided arbitration and obtained at least 4% raises each year of the contract for all bargaining unit members. We did well. If administration were truly committed to excellence, together we could have done so much more.

 Mary Schlichte, RN, 3 RC

This was my first experience in contract negotiations. I was blessed to work with a team of dedicated, hard working professionals who at all times kept the interest of all our members in the forefront. We were able to obtain a good contract, but have much future work to do. Our counterparts across the country are receiving 10-25% raises when their administrations realize that there is indeed a nursing shortage and when they value the work ethics of professional staff. Thank you for allowing me to represent the dedicated workers of our hospital.

 Deb Benfer, RT

I am very proud and pleased with what we accomplished in this year's contract negotiations, but the experience has left a pretty bitter taste. I am so disappointed to find out once again, management does not want to work together with the union to solve the real problems and concerns of the staff. Management made it very clear to us that they did not want to hear about nor deal with any language issues brought to the table by the staff. These issues did not involve any money at all. The only thing management would talk about was money. I left negotiations feeling management only cares about being all powerful and their only drive is money. I feel we came away from the table with a solid economic package thanks to the hard work and united voice of the membership, but I don't know if I will ever get over the feeling that management only cares about the bottom line dollar and not the "valued" staff that make this hospital successful. I wish I felt differently.

 Pauline Taylor, RN, OR

I would like to thank the bargaining unit members for their support of our negotiating team during our difficult bargaining session. Although we did not achieve staffing language in this contract, we made it clear to management that we believe this is important in our ability to provide safe patient care. We are pleased with our overall contract, and we encourage you to talk with your coworkers and remind them that we made gains because we have a contract. Encourage them to sign membership cards because we are stronger together

 Judy Lass, RN, 6 RC

Our 3rd contract goes into effect July 1st! Just think that 5 short years ago we did not have a contract that protected us both professionally and economically. It was a privilege to be a part of a negotiating team that fought hard and courageously for the entire bargaining unit.

 Angela Wernke, RN, 3 JPW

I was very disappointed at the lack of communication from UIHC administration at the bargaining table. Although we reached a voluntary agreement, I do not feel the hospital administration has a real commitment at retaining staff, and it is reflected in their silence over the past few months when SEIU has tried to have candid discussions. I do remain hopeful that progress can be made, and some differences resolved in our future Labor-Management meetings.

 Norman Kalvig, CLS

I thought that bargaining was particularly difficult and frustrating, however I believe the new contract provides more flexibility in hours and a few other features which will benefit our members. The wage package is questionable, but still maintains competitiveness for health care professionals in the Iowa marketplace.

 Cathy Singer, RN, MICU

I was simply amazed at the lack of administration's understanding of what we (as health care providers) do for a living. I continue to hear that we are “valued and respected,” but our treatment during bargaining did not seem to reflect that. Our goal in bargaining has always been to enhance quality patient care. How so? By making sure that there are adequate numbers of qualified healthcare professionals who are dedicated, not only to their patients, but to the institution as well. What do you suppose the goals of the UIHC were? We narrowly escaped going to arbitration this time - does that answer the question? I think we did amazingly well considering the poor proposals put forth by our employer. Thank god for our union!

 Becky Leaven, RN, FCMC

Although I would have been happier with a larger across-the-board raise, considering the very negative atmosphere we bargained under this year, I have to be satisfied. Without a union, I believe we could have seen 0%. I am disappointed at the lack of support we got from Linda Everett, the director of nursing, in discussing staffing issues considering her plans for magnet status.