Know Your Rights: All Local 328 Union Members Deserve Respect
Actions speak louder than words, and it will be ideal if the behavior of OHSU administrators and the supervisors and managers we report to is consistent with the worthwhile and lofty ideals in the OHSU Code of Conduct, in which the word “respect” is mentioned no less than 30 times.
Our Local 328 union contract has provisions to ensure that you have a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, and violence. Based on the Schneider Report (and a variety of anecdotal reports from union members and stewards) one might wonder if paying over $2000 per hour for the Covington investigation was a good use of OHSU’s funds, and to what degree this is contributing toward what may be an effective pay cut to union members next year through decreased benefits.
Within Article 6, Sections 6.1.3 and 6.1.3.1 in our contract exist to help protect you and all Local 328 union members. Per 6.1.3:
“Employees are encouraged to file all complaints alleging discrimination or harassment of a protected status [...]. [...] employees may file a complaint with the Union [...] or the appropriate state or federal agency for resolution [like the EEOC].”
The OHSU Code of Conduct notes that “Our Responsibilities” include that all OHSU team members, “Behave in a professional, honest, and ethical manner”, be “courteous”, and “treat others with dignity and respect”. The OHSU Code of Conduct seems to indicate rather broad and lofty ideals, and it seems OHSU administrators and all unclassified (non-union employees including managers, directors and supervisors) should all be abiding by it, just like us. If an unclassified OHSU employee is violating the Code of Conduct against you, such a violation can potentially be a grievance, outlined in Article 24 of our contract.
Per 6.1.3.1, of our AFSCME contract indicates, “Employees are encouraged to file all complaints alleging Code of Conduct complaints through the Union [...]”. Hopefully no union member experiences behaviors from supervisors, managers, or administrators that violate the OHSU Code of Conduct, but if one does and cannot resolve the issue through other channels, then they can get help through the Local 328 Hub or from the AFSCME Member Services Center. It may be helpful to cite these contract sections when describing your concerns.
Ideally, all OHSU managers, supervisors, and administrators will behave ethically (through words and actions) towards all Local 328 team members in ways that are compliant with the OHSU Code of Conduct, with dignity and respect, and in ways that are non-discriminatory and not bullying. If this happens in consistent ways, then we can all pretend that 6.1.3 and 6.1.3.1 do not exist, since they will be effectively unactionable.
Hopefully no union members are experiencing discrimination and harassment at OHSU. Anecdotally, a significant number of union members, including Stewards, would agree that the OCIC and HR are likely not going to be helpful, but we remain cautiously optimistic that this will change. This is not to recommend that you do not report these problems to the OCIC. Based on a variety of reports from union members and Local 328 stewards, the cultural changes that were intended to result from the expensive Covington Committee did not materialize. A significant number of Local 328 Stewards would agree that while you are able to go through the OCIC, going through the EEOC may be what will really help you the most. This is not legal advice; it is only meant to share collective knowledge and experience from union members.
If an unclassified OHSU employee like a manager, supervisor or administrator is violating your right to have a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, and so forth, decide which option you want to utilize to see that the behavior stops and your rights are protected. Oregon AFSCME periodically offers an EEOC training to help you understand the process. Additionally, the Oregon State Bar can help you connect to lawyers for a low cost consultation (capped at $35 dollars) if you want to receive guidance from a lawyer. Washington has a similar referral service.
When will OHSU culture change to one in which all Local 328 team members and community members are treated with dignity and respect? When will OHSU treat everyone equally with regards to having their rights protected and respected? Know your rights, and together our union can help OHSU be a better environment for everyone.