Bargaining Update: July 12

With a third of our union’s bargaining team on vacation or at the AFSCME International Convention, the teams did not meet for collective bargaining this week. While we didn’t hold negotiations today, the remaining members of our union’s team kept busy, using the time as a work day instead. We spent the day taking consensus votes on counterproposals to present next week and discussing options for other proposals we need to respond to. We did share with OHSU some proposed tentative agreements (the employer still needs to agree to TA these) [Ed. Note: OHSU confirmed this evening that we do have agreement on the below proposed TAs.] and a short list of proposals we are withdrawing:

Proposed TAs:

  • 7.6 Meal Periods: This change adds language stating that employees are to notify the person in charge when they become aware that they may miss a meal or rest break and clarifying that employees will be paid for missed breaks.

  • 22.1.4 Shared Responsibility: The section of the contract declares that OHSU and Local 328 have a shared responsibility for employees’ skill development. The added language states that OHSU will send an annual message to employees re: development opportunities.

  • MOU #UX9 Community Service Leave: This new MOU establishes 8 hours of unpaid community-service leave. While we had hoped to win some paid hours for community service, this MOU establishes a baseline we can improve upon in future contracts.

  • MOU #UX14 Access to Computers and Time to Review Work-Related Communications: This MOU establishes computer access and dedicated work time for employees to read employer emails, review OHSU Now posts and complete required trainings. This will benefit our members who don’t work at a computer.

Withdrawn Proposals:

  • 10.UX2 Degree Differential (advanced-certification differential is still on the table)

  • 10.UX5.1 Assignment of Float Shifts (float differential is still on the table)

  • MOU #UX11 Employer Assisted Child Care Task Force (child-care stipend is still on the table)

Our team will be making a large number of counterproposals next week, including around attendance recognition, insurance contributions, reclassifications and progressive discipline. We’re also working on counters related to flex staff, staffing, shift differential, paid family leave, assignment of overtime and more.

Important Events

The teams will be in mediation next Tuesday, as well on Wednesday, July 27, and Thursday, July 28. In the meantime, please attend one of the following events and keep commenting on the blog — let us know what your bargaining priorities are (in addition to high across-the-board raises!). We still have a lot on the table: DEI language, longevity rate, retention bonuses, weekend differential, preceptor pay, floating holidays, additional sick leave, faster accrual of vacation time, ANI and more.

Jennifer Barker32 Comments