Agreement Reached!
The AFSCME Local 328 COVID-19 Impact Response Team is pleased to announce that we have reached a tentative agreement with OHSU on a letter of agreement to help address the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on OHSU and attempt to limit the number of layoffs from our bargaining unit. We’d like to thank our membership for your support — and patience — during this process.
In summary, the agreement, which is effective through December 31, contains the following items:
Voluntary FTE reduction program
Voluntary retirement incentive program (click here for details)
Temporary layoff procedure (both voluntary and mandatory)
Voluntary permanent layoff procedure
Staff redeployment procedure (both voluntary and mandatory)
Joint OHSU/AFSCME pandemic task force
The full LOA, with details about each of the above items, can be viewed here — be sure to read it carefully, in its entirety, and ask questions prior to participating in the ratification vote.
As noted previously, the LOA does not include any changes to or reductions in the wages negotiated in our 2019 – 2022 contract. OHSU still retains the option to implement permanent layoffs in the future due to “changing business operations” — an option it has had regardless of the outcome of these discussions.
Dues-paying members may vote on whether to ratify this agreement; the LOA will go into effect if a majority of those voting vote yes.
Yes vote: The provisions in the LOA will be in effect through December 31.
No vote: There will be no changes to our contract. (Permanent layoffs might begin soon.)
The CIRT recommends a yes vote. This LOA will empower our members to make personal decisions about whether they can afford to help OHSU at this time and give OHSU additional tools to save jobs.
The vote will be held online from 8:00 a.m., Thursday, June 25, through 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 30. To cast your vote, please click here during the voting period. If you need help voting, please refer to this tip sheet.