Page One Archive

September 2009 —

UC-CNA Bargaining Update - September 1, 2009

UC and CNA concluded contract talks August 28^, without reaching agreement, and will enter two weeks of mediation and fact-finding beginning Sept. 15.

During the fact-finding process, a neutral fact-finder agreed upon by the parties will evaluate the information put forth by both UC and CNA and make recommendations for resolving differences. The University and CNA will then consider the recommendations in attempting to reach an agreement.  If after 10 days, there is still no agreement, the recommendations will become public.  If negotiations end up at impasse, UC may decide to implement any or all of its last, best and final offer.  For a more detailed overview of the fact-finding process, please click here.

UC has long prided itself on offering excellent medical care and attractive employment offering market-rate compensation. Our record speaks for itself. First, UC medical centers are consistently ranked among the best in the nation for the quality of care we give patients. Further, nurses come to the UC medical centers and stay: we have historically low turnover and vacancy levels and far more applicants than open positions.

Here at a glance are some key positions put forth by UC and CNA:

ISSUE	·       UC’s Position	·       CNA’s Position
Wages	·       Step increases offered in December 2010, in addition to the increases nurses already received this summer.	·       8% across-the-board raises, effective October 2009.
Benefits	·       Maintain UC’s contribution to health and welfare benefits costs at current levels.	·       UC should pay 100% of cost increases for health and retirement benefits.
Staffing	·       Resolve staffing issues through the local labor-management process as prescribed by current UC-CNA agreement.	·       Eliminate primary patient care duties for Charge nurses and relief nurses. ·       Create dedicated RN transport teams at each Medical Center.
Contract Duration	·       Proposes contract extending beyond 2010 to provide workplace stability, allow for step increases, and save negotiation costs.	·       CNA wants to maintain current year-to-year negotiations schedule.