(Astoria, Oregon) Despite a difficult economy, union members and management at Columbia Memorial Hospital overwhelmingly approved a new three-year contract that means improvements for workers and for patient care.
“I appreciated the open communication with the Hospital. I saw willingness on the Hospital’s part to understand our needs,” said elected bargaining team member Kathleen Bartleson, of financial services at CMH.
“I feel like both sides won with this contract. I’m pleased to have helped bargain it and bring it to the membership,” said elected bargaining team member Kelly Avery, of x-ray.
The vote, held February 27th, was 35 to 3 in the Professional Bargaining Unit and 77 to 3 in the Support Bargaining Unit to ratify the 2009 – 2012 contract. The CMH Board officially ratified the agreements at the March 5, 2009, Board meeting.
“During these very difficult and stressful economic times, it is gratifying to see that the management and employees are willing to work together to address what is in the best interest of our employees, the Hospital and our entire community,” said Nancy Veltkamp, President, CMH Board of Trustees.
Highlights of the agreement:
• Lowered health care premiums based on years of service
• Discount on employee’s remaining balances for CMH health care services
• Graduated cost of living wages increases next three years
• Advance notice of a layoff and opportunity to work with employees to avoid layoffs
• Education bonus for national certifications not required for the core job
“I was very proud of the collaboration demonstrated by both sides in the negotiations,” said Erik Thorsen, COO and lead negotiator for Columbia Memorial Hospital.
Members of the bargaining teams were:
Columbia Memorial:
Guy Rivers – CFO
Erik Thorsen – COO
Leslie Blasewitz – CCO
Jennifer Quigley – CCU/RT/Cardio Mgr
Cheryl Martin – Human Resources Mgr
SEIU 49:
Lori Fischer - Respiratory
Kelly Avery – X - Ray
Amy Wilson - Admitting
Kathleen Bartleson – Financial Services
Peter Schulz - Laboratory
Lonn Martin – Surgery
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