Healthcare workers and L+M management deadlocked in contract talks [The Day, New London, Conn.] – InsuranceNewsNet

January 7—NEW LONDON — Unionized healthcare workers at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital said on Friday they were at an impasse in contract negotiations with hospital management, accusing it of refusing to offer them a living wage and affordable health insurance.

“They’re trying to bully us into a corner,” said Connie Fields, president of AFT Connecticut Local 5123, which represents some 900 low-wage workers. “What they’re offering isn’t a living wage. It’s scary and disheartening. I expect better from them.”

Fields said the two sides met for the last time December 20when the management asked the union leadership to put the hospital’s offer to a vote of the union members.

“Why vote on something that we know won’t work for us? Fields said.

In a written statement on Friday, Patrick Green, chairman and chief executive of L+M, acknowledged that the hospital had been unable to reach an agreement with healthcare workers after several months of negotiations. L+M’s contract with the union has expired June 30, 2022.

“AFT Local 5123 elected to stop negotiating and has now declared a stalemate,” Green said. “We are disappointed that the union has taken this position, but to ensure the fair treatment of our valued staff at the Local 5123 unit, the hospital is taking the unprecedented step of implementing the last offer we made during negotiations. »

Green said the offer will provide union members with wage increases, participation in an incentive bonus plan “and, for many, market adjustments and a lower-cost health plan option.” He said the package is similar to those ratified last month by two other AFT unions at L+M, Local 4049, which represents about 640 nurses, and Local 5051, which represents some 250 medical technologists. .

“In presenting the offer to the leaders of Local 5123, we believed it would benefit our healthcare workers, although it was never presented to these employees for the opportunity to vote,” said Green.

Fields said management’s contract offer raises the starting salary for some management positions. $15 one hour for $15.50 one hour. While that’s a 3.3% increase, it’s barely enough, she said. The union first demanded $17 one hour.

“It’s worrying that they keep looking like they’re making us a good offer,” Fields said. “It’s not. Start paying at Costco, Target and for some jobs at Walmart are better. And we take care of the patients. Nursing homes pay $18 begin.”

Fields said many union members could not afford the L+M health insurance premiums of $66 one week.

“We have a food bank at the hospital for employees and it’s being used,” she said. “To use it you have to get a key from reception, with a security camera watching. It’s embarrassing.”

Job categories for healthcare workers include food and nutrition, housekeeping, laundry services, patient transport, stock clerks, drivers and messengers, gardeners and technical aids in radiology.

“What it comes down to is that the cost of living went up 8.3% last year, and we’ve been working through COVID, dealing day-to-day with patients, and we haven’t been compensated for nothing,” said a union member. Angelina Frascarellia radiology coordinator.

Craig Dysarta mental health worker and vice-president and chief shop steward, questioned whether management had bargained in good faith.

“I think they planned to put us down from the start and keep it (salaries) low,” he said. “They’re not going to help the staffing crisis or retain employees by not offering a living wage. To me, during negotiations, their attitude was, ‘That’s all we have to offer, take or give away.’ to leave. go higher.'”

In December, union members complained that management was withholding their end-of-year bonuses in an attempt to force a contract settlement.

“The hospital knows we can’t afford to go on strike,” Dysart said.

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