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October 2011
2045 SE Ankeny Street, Portland, OR 97214 www.ofnhp.org 503.657.9974
In This Issue:
OFNHP Executive President Steps Down
Steward Trainings give
members the "Nuts & Bolts"
Member organizers now
sharing RN Contract Specialist role
OFNHP and ONA work together to provide joint
membership
Labor Day Picnic Photos
AFL-CIO convention updates
Westside Hospital interest
surveys out in October
Dates to Remember
Union Action Updates
OFNHP Executive President Steps Down
My friends and colleagues,
First, let me thank you all for your support and well wishes during my pregnancy and delivery. I am pleased to report my beautiful baby boy and family are happy and well!
Over these past several months, many things have changed so quickly for me. My husband has accepted a position in Seattle. This is an opportunity we simply cannot refuse. Our little family will be moving and, therefore, I am resigning my position as OFNHP Executive President as of October 28, 2011.
Please know, it has been a tremendous privilege and honor serving as your President. I will always treasure the trust you put in me. Although I will miss you all, I know I leave our Union in good hands. Our staff and union leadership are dedicated and strong; fighting the good fight every day for our members. Elex Tenney, as Executive Vice President, has been doing a truly exceptional job leading the union in my absence. OFNHP leadership continues to promote opportunities for union members to become directly involved in the function of the union and partnership activities.
Although I know I am leaving you all in good hands, I am leaving with a heavy heart. I love our Union.
I will miss you all. Please know I will be thinking of you always and wishing nothing but the best for the future of OFNHP.
In Solidarity,
Linda Rohman OFNHP Executive President
OREGON FEDERATION OF NURSES AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
HEALTH CARE WORkERS ON
THE CALENDAR
OCTOBER Physical Therapy
Month Dental Hygiene Month
NOVEMBERHome Care Month
OFNHP Executive President Linda Rohman and son, Raj.
In Linda Rohman's absence, OFNHP Executive Vice President, Elex Tenney, will continue to serve as the union's top elected leader. The OFNHP Constitution does not provide for the VP to become President. Elex remains Executive VP, and the office of Executive President will be up for election in the Spring of 2012.
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Steward Trainings give members the "Nuts & Bolts"Thursday,
October 20Saturday,
November 12Thursday,
December 15
Get the Nuts & Bolts of Being a Steward
In this class, you will learn: • Why a union is important • The fundamentals of the union’s structure and the Steward’s role within it • How to file paperwork for grievances, corrective action and discovery. • Legal protections for Stewards
Non-Stewards welcome and invited to attend and learn more about our union!
By contract, OFNHP Stewards are entitled to reimbursement for a full day of union-led steward training.
If you haven’t yet been paid for attending a full-day steward training, you are eligible. Trainings will be held 9am-4pm at the OFNHP office unless otherwise noted.
RSVP to the OFNHP office: [email protected] 503.657.9974
Member-organizers now sharing RN Contract Specialist role
Toren Brolutti and Christóbal Mozingo As we've been working for the last few months on record numbers of grievances, corrective actions, Issue Resolutions and issue campaigns, two of our KP RNs have been crucial to helping us defend our members and our contracts. For the last few months, Toren Brolutti and Chris Mozingo have been on temporary release to work side-by-side with our member organizers.
We are pleased to announce that although their labor release is ending, we will continue to benefit from their hard work and dedication to our membership. Toren and Chris will be splitting the full-time RN Contract Specialist position, with each of them working 20 hours in patient care and 20 hours as Contract Specialist. Toren will work mostly with out-patient clincs, and Chris will work mostly with KSMC -- though both are ready and willing to help on any aspects of the RN contract.
Toren Brolutti, Outpatient 503.804.8868 [email protected]
Christóbal Mozingo, Inpatient 503.422.8876 [email protected]
OFNHP MeMBeR MeetiNG thursday, November 17
Monarch Hotel, Clackamas6:30-8:30pm
Meeting will focus on upcoming negotiations in 2012:
• Benefits: what we currently have, and what Kaiser will be looking to take away. • Endorsement vote on local bargaining preparation timeline and strategy.
• Breakout sessions for each Bargaining Unit, led by your elected unit officers and organizers.
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OFNHP and ONA work together to provide joint membership for PMH RNs and former Bess Kaiser RNs
We are proud to announce that OFNHP and Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) have entered into a partnership and dual membership agreement to jointly represent ONA’s nurses at Kaiser Interstate (INT & WIN) and OFNHP’s nurses at Providence Milwaukie Hospital (PMH). This dual affiliation agreement is the first of its kind in our state.
The agreement came about in part because of ongoing requests by nurses to strengthen ties between the unions. Since most Kaiser nurses are represented by OFNHP, and most RNs in the Providence system are with ONA, many members let us know they are looking for ways to address common issues collaboratively.
What will membership rights in the affected units include?Through this Partnership Agreement the parties will make available the services and benefits of full membership in both organizations.
These members will be affiliated with: Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, American Federation of Teachers, Oregon Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, AFL-CIO, Oregon AFL-CIO, NW Oregon Central Labor Council. This may later include the National Federation of Nurses (NFN, ONA’s national nursing union) following additional discussions.
How will these bargaining unit members’ dues be affected? For ease of transition from the effective date of this agreement through the next full fiscal year for OFNHP and ONA (July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012), members of each unit shall pay dues amounts (and agency fees as applicable) calculated on the same formula currently in effect pursuant to the constitution and by-laws of ONA for the Kaiser Interstate unit and the bylaws of OFNHP for the PMH unit. No nurses will pay double dues at any time.
Why a joint membership rather than being represented only by OFNHP or ONA?As you know, the labor community is under threat across the country. In these times of threat, it is important for all labor unions to work together to help strengthen the movement and show our solidarity in the face of attacks on our rights. This OFNHP/ONA partnership is an example of how labor unions can, and should, work together to support collective bargaining rights.
In addition, nurses in Oregon will all benefit from having one powerful voice at the Oregon State legislature as we advocate for policies that impact nurses, nursing practice and health care reform. This partnership enables OFNHP and ONA to join forces to address the most compelling issues facing nurses in our state.
The partnership strengthens both OFNHP and ONA by providing opportunities for greater collaboration, cooperation, and protection through no-raid agreements. We are stronger together and will have access to greater resources and collaboration than either union would have alone.
OFNHP celebrated Labor Day with AFL-CIO partners in Oaks Park tradition
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Fall is convention season for our local AFL-CIO state affiliates, and members of the OFNHP Executive Board attended conventions for both Oregon and Washington.
Washington State Labor Council In early August, RNs Nancy Mulsoff and Nancy Amstad-Hite attended the Washington State Labor Council's annual convention at the SeaTac Doubletree Hotel. Speakers at the convention included Senator Maria Cantwell, Congressman Jay Inslee, and Lena Taylor -- one of the Democratic Senators from Wisconsin.
On statewide initiatives, the Labor Council voted to OPPOSE Initiative 1125, which defunds highway and transportation projects and to SUPPORT Initiative 1163, which provides for training for long-term care workers. Delegates also voted to OPPOSE Initiative 1183, which would privatize liquor sales and distribution. This initiative is being pushed by big-box retailers like Costco. Just one year ago, the people of Washington rejected two initiatives regarding liquor privatization -- and this initiative is no better, as it would increase five-fold the number of retailers selling liquor and make increased consumption much easier, even for minors. Oregon AFL-CiO In late September, Executive VP Elex Tenney, Executive Treasurer Meg Tuttle, Tech President and VP Lori Wambold and Amanda Hill, and RN Marilyn Terhaar joined more than 200 delegates at the Oregon AFL-CIO convention in Eugene. Speakers included Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, and Congressman Peter DeFazio.
All three Democratic contenders for the open 1st Congressional District seat attended, and participated in a debate to try to win the convention delegates' endorsement. Candidates Brad Witt, Brad Avakian and Suzanne Bonamici are all supportive of Labor, and none of them carried the 2/3 vote necessary to win an endorsement. All of them are strong candidates.
Delegates attended workshops on messaging and organizing, and many also attended a rally in support of postal workers. The common thread of the convention was the message of the need to unite and stay united. The power of the labor movement can bring change to government, Wall Street, health care, and education, but only if we stand strong and united. We must build our movement through our presence. The working class is who built America and the working class is who will revitalize America. Attendees were reminded that we must participate in the upcoming elections in order to prevent additional erosion of respect and power for those who labor.
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DATES TO REMEMBER
Nuts & Bolts Steward Training9am-4pm at OFNHPThursday, October 20
OFNHP Executive Board Meeting5:30-8:30pm at OFNHPThursday, November 10 Nuts & Bolts Steward Training9am-4pm at OFNHPSaturday, November 12
OFNHP Membership Meeting6:30-8:30pmMonarch HotelThursday, November 17
OFNHP Executive Board Meeting5:30-8:30pm at OFNHPTuesday, December 13
Nuts & Bolts Steward Training9am-4pm at OFNHPThursday, December 15
SAVE THE DATE! Winter SocialBig Al's Bowling and Event Center, BeavertonSaturday, January 21
Board members represent OFNHP at state AFL-CIO conventions
Westside Hospital surveys online in OctoberAs plans for the Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center (KWMC) develop, management wants your input. Would you like to apply for a position at KWMC? As others go west, would you like to seek an opening in another KP medical office? Kaiser recruiting wants to know, so they can get a complete picture of staffing needs at KWMC and all of the other Kaiser work sites around the region. The survey is quick, anonymous, and non-binding.
On October 10, all staff should have received a link to the survey over Lotus Notes email. If you didn't get the link, you can find the online survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KJN8MDR The survey will be open through October 29. If you have any questions, contact Kaiser HR so that you can participate in the process.
Job opportunities at KWMC will be posted on KP Careers as they become available. Stay tuned to Newswire for details about information sessions for building your résumé and updating your profile on the KP Employee Careers website in My HR.
Union Action Updates
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Beaverton employees rally around one of their own Jean-Luc Gustin, a Primary Care Physician Assistant at Kaiser's Beaverton clinic, has worked in the Kaiser system for more than 12 years. Nearly three years ago, inclement weather forced a snow day. Jean-Luc was one of the few who stayed as part of a skeleton crew to provide patient care. On his way home, he was involved in a traffic accident that resulted in some neuropathy in his left hand. Due to these injuries, he no longer felt that he could perform the task of suturing safely or well -- but since suturing was not mandatory for his position, he remained fully qualified and able to perform his job. About six months ago he was offered and accepted a slightly different position, doing largely the same work. The ability to suture was not an issue.
Recently, however, management approached Jean-Luc and advised him that he should apply for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, "for his protection." The same day he submitted that paperwork, he was informed that his position required suturing, accommodations would not be possible, and he would be without a job in two days. Immediately, Jean-Luc received a huge outpouring of spontaneous support from his co-workers. His OFNHP colleagues, other staff represented by SEIU and UFCW, physicians, and patients all rallied behind him on this unjust termination. They created buttons and signs and showed incredible solidarity in defending their friend and colleague. OFNHP argued that management's decision was wrong and violated the non-discrimination article in the PRO contract. Management initially refused to reconsider the decision, and the union filed a formal grievance. Only after the grievance was filed, did management agree to give him 90 days to transition to a new position. Though we maintain that management unreasonably denied Jean-Luc his just accommodations, we are pleased to report that union representatives are working with him to attain a comparable position that does not require suturing.
Message to KP management: stop harassing sick employees!In recent weeks, KP management has unilaterally implemented changes to the employee attendance policy. In addition to the required employee call-in on an ill day before work to their supervisor or designee, management has implemented the following: > Daily supervisor calls to the ill employee at home. > If the manager does not reach the ill employee, the employee must return the call the same business day. > Failure to call back may now lead to discipline. > Employees must now sign an attestation form acknowledging they have received a cooy of the policy and will abide by it -- even though many employees have not received complete policy changes in writing.
Management has refused to discuss these changes with Coalition unions, and has provided false and misleading information to the unions and employees. We see these actions as harassment of employees, and their implementation is a violation of the National Agreement.
The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions has filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board, and is working diligently to rectify this situation with the help of our members. We are currently advising members to sign the attestation form, but write the words "under protest" next to your signature. This is a tough issue because as much as we believe and are working to prove that Kaiser is wrong, we want to be sure our members are not vulnerable to charges of "insubordination" for not signing the form, that could result in Corrective Action.
Reorganization in Mental Health is (finally) almost completeWe are finally in the home stretch of a three-year plan reorganize the delivery of service in the Mental Health department. After much difficulty, we started an Issue Resolution process as outlined in the National Agreement. We are applying consistent pressure to management to involve Labor, and to maintain that involvement. Our core team consists of PRO B.U. members Dave Charlton, Jonathan May, Martha Wilson, RN Mary Lauk-Johnson, and SEIU member Mary Brooks. They have been an integral part of the process. The team has set up call-ins and written communications with constituents to keep everyone informed. There are some big changes in this reorganization and it won't be easy -- but the hard work of this team has meant that there will be no loss of jobs as it takes place.
Beaverton clinic employees show their buttons and signs in support of colleague Jean-Luc Gustin.
American Federation of Teachers AFL-CIOOregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, AFT Local 50172045 SE Ankeny Street Portland OR 97214-1663
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE
PAIDPORTLAND ORPERMIT NO 816
Heartbeat
Mail: 2045 SE Ankeny Street Portland, Oregon 97214-1663
Phone: 503-657-9974 Toll-free: 800-OFN-5017
email: [email protected]
Web Site: www.ofnhp.org
A Union of Professionals
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Manufactured with Green-e Certified Windpower.
Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals
“Between 1979 and 2005 the inflation-adjusted income of families in the middle of the income distribution rose 21 percent... Meanwhile, the income of the very rich, the top 100th of 1 percent of the income distribution, rose by 480 percent… from $4.2 million to $24.3 million. So do the wealthy look to you like the victims of class warfare?” -- economist Paul Krugman in the New York timesSeptember 23, 2011
