On March 26, we (Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center SEIU members) held a Candlelight Vigil and Rally from 6 to 8 p.m. and approximately 500 people turned out to support us. It was a success! The energy, the vibe, the passion, and the fighting spirit was very much alive in our members. We are thrilled at the turnout. Eric Kiziee, who works for SEIU and oversees a lot of contract negotiations in the LA area, personally said that this was the best turnout he has seen in years. That says a lot. We know our message and turnout has reached the ears of Norma Braun.
During our first march around the hospital from 6 to 7 p.m., there was no security in front of the hospital. During the second march from 7 to 8 p.m., security was out in front of the hospital in full force. (Wonder who gave those orders?). Also, there was a report we received (although unconfirmed), that after shift change, those employees that were clocking out were not allowed to return inside the building. (Again, we wonder who gave those orders?). There was a reporter from a local Korean newspaper that covered the event.
HOWEVER, THE ONLY WAY WE ARE GOING TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS CONTRACT FIGHT IS WITH THE FULL SUPPORT OF OUR UNION MEMBERS ... THAT MEANS YOU! That's what a union is. We want to thank all that have showed up. But let's also take a step back and remind everyone -- this is not the end. In fact, the real fight has just begun. Our next bargaining session with management is April 4. We will see if management will change their offer.
The vigil/rally served two purposes:
Our Bargaining Team needs to see where its true support is, in the event of a strike vote. We need to be prepared, in case this management team takes a hard line against us. This management team is tough and they are NOT dumb. The truth is, we are in for a dogfight.
It sends a clear message to management that we are tired of their games and that we are dead serious in obtaining a fair contract now.
Let us tell you what the committee is also doing for all employees. We are aware that management has asked employees to remove Union related stickers/ pins from their clothing. It is illegal for them to do this, and we have filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge against HPMC. We are also aware that they have taken down our materials from our message boards in our break rooms. Again, we have filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge against them with the National Labor Relations Board. Thirdly, we are in the process of gathering data and evidence for any OSHA-related violations. This includes unsanitary conditions or unsafe work environments. This is where we need your help. We have had reports of cockroaches/bugs in the hospital, dangerous equipment, sharps containers not being emptied properly, etc. If you are aware of any unsafe working conditions, please bring them to our attention so we can bring it up with the proper authorities. One of our goals is to make your working conditions better and we can't do that if we don't hear from you. We need evidence, not just allegations. For example: photographs, documentation, etc).
Sincerely,
Union Rep for RNs (121RN): Tina Bordas / bordast@seiu121rn.org 818.298.1039
Union Rep for non RNs: Johnny Martinez / jmartinez@seiu-uhw.org 323.594.4859
Bargaining Team member Kennith Yu at: Kennithyu.hpmc@gmail.com
One more thing. Our Bargaining Team believes in full transparency with members. We invite any members to attend the April 4 bargaining session. If you are interested in seeing what it's all about, please contact us. You, as a member have a right to attend and observe these sessions. There are some ground rules you would need to follow: When management comes into the room to bargain, only the committee is allowed to directly speak to management. When management leaves the room, all members are allowed to speak and convey their thoughts to our Bargaining Team, so that we can bring up those issues with management.
That's it for now. It is the continued support from our members that will make us truly strong. Until the next update...
Click here to view a slideshow of the Candlelight Vigil and Rally.