Dear WIH Community,
Women & Infants Hospital has been working very hard to reach agreement with 1199SEIU at the negotiating table. We have laid out a plan to save the union’s pension. We have proposed wage increases and told the union we want to find other ways to increase wages. We have also removed proposals the union did not support in an effort to speed progress to a resolution.
Despite all our best efforts, the union continues to talk about taking WIH employees out on strike. The union will be taking a “vote” during the informational picket they are planning for Monday and Tuesday at WIH. It is unfortunate that the union is spending its time talking about a strike rather than working with us at the negotiating table.
It is important that you understand several facts about a strike vote and about the negative effects of striking:
- First and foremost, WIH does not want a strike. We are doing everything possible at the table to find a path forward and avoid a strike.
- A strike benefits no one and will cost the hospital at least $9 million. The hospital has put a proposal on the table to save your pension, but if the hospital has to spend millions to prepare for a strike, we likely won’t be able to fund the pension as proposed. The pension could then go into the default plan with substantially lower benefits for all employees. In addition, employees would have to go without pay for the shifts they don’t work. The hospital does NOT want this to happen.
- WIH will provide expert care to patients, even if 1199SEIU calls for a strike. Because the union has been saying it may strike for some time now, the hospital has engaged a firm that helps hospitals continue to deliver expert care during strikes, including finding talented replacement staff. We hope we don’t need to use these services, but we will be prepared to keep our services open.
- A union strike vote is not a “free and fair election” as Americans understand voting. The union controls all elements of the vote, including how the vote is taken and the counting of the votes. There is no third-party monitor to validate the results. (Read more about union strike votes in the below document.)
- A “yes” vote does not necessarily mean the union will strike. A strike authorization vote means that the union can call for a strike; it does not mean it has to. The union must give the hospital a 10-day notice before walking out.
Please also know that we expect a larger crowd than usual at the informational pickets planned for Monday and Tuesday. The union has brought people in from out of town to stay at a local hotel and we anticipate these non-employees will be among the people picketing. As always we will ensure patients and employees can safely enter the building.
We hope the union will stop focusing on strike threats. This only creates anxiety for employees, patients, and all team members. Let’s instead focus our energy and ideas on reaching a contract resolution.
Sincerely,
Shannon
What to Know about Strike Votes and Strikes
What happens during a strike vote?
The union will choose a location and timeframe during which members may go vote. The union itself controls the vote – there is no outside authority reviewing the election or verifying the results. A secret ballot is not guaranteed.
What does a “Yes” vote mean?
A yes vote means that the union can, at any time, issue a 10-day notice to the hospital that it intends to strike. The timing of giving that notice to the hospital will be entirely up to union administrators.
What happens if the union notifies the hospital of its intent to strike?
The hospital must immediately begin making contingency plans for our operation. To be clear: Women & Infants Hospital will not close during a strike, and contingent workers will be hired. We will do everything necessary to ensure the safety of our patients and the continuation of our services. A strike would cost the hospital at least $9 million and that will reduce what WIH is able to put into a final economic package for staff. We will simply have less money so there will be less to offer if it is spent on a strike.
Does issuing the 10-day notice mean there will definitely be a strike?
WIH will endeavor to continue negotiating with SEIU1199 even after a notice is issued if the union will agree to meet. While we would hope to reach a contract agreement that would stop a strike from happening, we will need to begin making contingency plans as soon as we receive the notice. The costs that we incur will reduce the amount that we are able ultimately to invest in the contract.
How long will a strike last?
The length of a strike will be up to the union. However, due to the complexities of scheduling and other factors, such as lack of work due to patient census and acuity and the administrative challenges associated with returning staff to work, staff may not be recalled to their shifts for as long as five days after the end of the strike. Employees could lose up to five days’ pay even if the union calls for a “one day” strike.
What if SEIU1199 says we can get a better contract by striking. Is that true?
No. It is a mistake to assume that there will be more money available following a strike. The opposite will be true. If the union forces the hospital to incur the substantial expenses necessary to keep the hospital open and appropriately staffed during a work stoppage, Women & Infants Hospital has informed the union there will be less money available for the proposed contract.
Can I use sick or vacation time during a strike?
If you strike, you will not be paid for any scheduled shift you are out. Strikers cannot use sick or vacation benefits, and in some cases do not qualify for unemployment benefits. You should check with your delegate for information about what strike benefits, if any, the union will guarantee.
Can I work during the strike even if I am in the union?
You have the legal right not to participate in a strike. But strikes are highly divisive, and it would be up to each individual staff member whether they wanted to take that step.
What will be the impact of a strike on patients and the community?
Women and Infants will absolutely ensure safe patient care in the event of a strike. However, patients may choose to delay care or go elsewhere to avoid picket lines. This can be harmful to the hospital and ultimately our staff long-term.
I am feeling pressured by others to vote “Yes” to authorize a strike. What if I really don’t want to?
Many staff members have expressed concerns about pressure and intimidation. Unprofessional conduct is not in keeping with Women & Infants Hospital’s core values. We hope that all SEIU1199 members will treat each other with the respect they deserve, no matter what you intend to vote.
Will my vote be secret?
You will need to ask your delegates what the procedures will be for confidentiality. The hospital is not aware of any legal requirement for it to be confidential.