Contract negotiations will begin on October 21, but members are already getting involved.

You have filled out contract surveys, spoken out on the issues and made your voices heard.

Members identified higher wages, better retirement benefits, and protecting our healthcare as the top economic priorities.

You also named job security, understaffing, and harassment among top issues that need to be addressed.

Instead of dealing with these problems, management said the  current contract should be extended for another year, with no changes in contract language. Management called for a one-time bonus and no wage increases.

The Contract Action Team (CAT) voted unanimously against this approach. It’s time to deal with members’ concerns and negotiate a new contract.

The Contract Action Team includes more than 50 stewards and volunteers from different departments and shifts. Their job is to keep members informed and united throughout negotiations.

Local 251 members elected a Contract Negotiating Committee as part of the voting for shop stewards in February.

The Negotiating Committee and the CAT are going through the surveys and putting together contract proposals. This includes proposals to protect members’ job security and rights as the Hospital prepares to implement EPIC.

The Bargaining Platform will be presented to the members at an important Contract Meeting on Saturday, October 18.

Stay informed. Stay united!

Click here to download the 2-page Contract Update.

Read more here on what Rhode Island Hospital members have to say.