Employer Suggested Mediation
What does a Mediator mean? A mediator is a neutral third party who is an expert in union negotiations. They are employed by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, a federal government agency. Both parties have to agree to mediation. The mediator cannot force the Union or the employer to agree to anything. Either party can leave mediation at any time
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At this time, the bargaining team does not think mediation would be helpful because the parties are too far apart.
The Union offered to agree to management’s “low-need” proposal, but they did not answer us.
The Union has proposed measures to significantly improve safety in our parking lots and garages. Management has responded only by saying they would provide ONE additional mini-van at night to Blaisdell, unaccompanied by security. The bargaining team is unclear on how this will address the safety needs of the members. We need real safety measures to keep us safe at work!
Management continues to refuse to talk to us about our safe-staffing proposals. We are committed to safe staffing for ourselves and our patients, but management does not want to make the same commitment.
Management’s wage offer remains the same, which is too low to recruit and retain quality nurses at Queen’s.
Today, we filed a Federal Unfair Labor Practice charge against Queen’s Medical Center because they have refused to give us the information we have requested regarding the financial information we need to evaluate their proposals. They are legally required to provide this information but have refused to do so.
To see a complete side-by-side comparison of all of management and the union’s proposals, please click below.
If you have questions, please contact your OAT member or a bargaining team member.