Management is not bargaining in good faith. They have put things on the table and then taken them back. They have submitted misleading wage proposals. They have continued to disrespect our expertise, our commitment to our patients and our rights as union members. Our Bargaining Team recommends a strike authorization vote. A strike vote does not mean that we will strike. It means we are voting to ensure that we are strong, united and ready to strike if it’s necessary. Dignity is pushing us in that direction with their disrespect. We are still in active negotiations with Dignity. A strike vote sends a strong message to management that we will not back down when it comes to prioritizing patient and nurse safety over “budgetary” savings.

“After much discussion, we are united in our recommendation to authorize a strike. Those of us on the Bargaining Team have experienced too much disrespect of the bargaining process. For example, they told us we can have the wage scale when in fact under their proposal no one would get above step four. We don’t consider this good faith bargaining.”   — Our Bargaining Team (pictured Left to Right: Renee Tallent, Angelea Vasquez, Lorraine Shea) Questions? Contact Chris Slane at (805) 279-1198 or slanec@seiu121rn.org

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WE MIGHT HAVE ABOUT THE STRIKE VOTE:

Why are we considering a strike? SEIU Local 121RN members have been in negotiations with management to reach a collective bargaining agreement. Management is not bargaining in good faith. We are still in negotiations with Management. A strike would be called as a last resort.

We’re hopeful that a strike won’t be necessary. We will continue to keep everyone informed about whether or not we see progress in our ongoing negotiations.

Do I have to Strike? The expectation is that you will honor the picket line to show your unity with our co-workers and our full Bargaining Team.

Can my manager ask me if I’m planning to strike? Management may ask you if you’re going to strike but you are not obligated to tell them. You may simply say, “Our Union has advised members that we have the legal right to keep our strike plans private.” Management does not have the right, however, to ask in a hostile or coercive manner, and must assure the worker that there will not be retaliation for participation in the strike.

Are 90-day probationary RNs expected to strike? Even though federal law protects all striking workers, because probationary employees can be let go with no explanation required, we do not recommend that probationary employees participate in a strike.

Will my patients be safe and taken care of if I strike? The law requires that we give the hospital 10 days notice before we strike. This will give the hospital ample time to hire temporary RNs. Your patients will be cared for by fully licensed RNs.

Will I be covered by my health insurance during the Strike? Your health insurance premium is paid at the beginning of the month and remains in effect all month.

Will I be paid for striking? No. We all must prepare to make a short term sacrifice for long term gains.

I have surgery scheduled, can I use sick leave? Or, I’m getting married, can I use my vacation time? Generally, you cannot use sick leave or vacation time while on strike. If you have scheduled your vacation or surgery prior to the strike vote, management will generally honor those requests. If your plans have not been pre-scheduled and we are on strike, you should be at your worksite on the picket line every day. If you are ill on a strike day, management will usually require a doctor’s note as verification. Strikes are not a “day at the beach.”

Will I be paid by my employer when I am on Strike? No. However, you will receive a paycheck from your employer for any hours worked before or after the strike when it is normally received.

Do I need to call the nursing office on days we’re on strike? No. As a healthcare facility, our Union is required by law to give 10 days notice of when we will go on strike to the hospital and to tell the hospital when we will return.

Will night shift workers be walking the picket line at night? Due to safety concerns, night shift workers will not picket at night. Night shift workers will, however, be expected to be on the picket line during daytime hours. We will be signing people up for picketing times.

Please check our hospital page at www.seiu121rn.org frequently for information and updates.