Employees at Rady Children’s Hospital and Health Center held a demonstration July 19 because they are unhappy with stalled union-hospital negotiations.
Union members said they did not picket because hospital management blocked such a move. The Service Employees International Union, which represents roughly 700 Children’s employees, did not notify the federal mediator in writing 30 days before the picket, as required. The notice of intent to picket was filed June 30 with Children’s Hospital and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
Negotiations between the SEIU and Children’s Hospital have gone on for roughly two years.
Business associate and union member Cindy Lewis said she believes Children’s Chief Executive Officer Kathleen Ann Selick, who replaced Blair Sadler on July 1, was brought in because of her “hold-the-line” reputation.
“Considering Selick was brought from a facility in Washington whose employees were also represented by the SEIU, I think she’ll be tougher than Sadler,” Lewis said. “She won’t move, won’t compromise.”
Negotiations between the SEIU and Children’s Hospital have been over health insurance contributions, the removal of a wage cap and institution of a patient care committee to relieve understaffing issues.
“Any raise we get is eliminated by an increase in our health care premiums,” Lewis said.
The wage cap sets a maximum on the hourly wage paid within each job description. For example, workers in food services and housekeepers may receive raises up to $11.87 an hour, at which point they “cap out” and cannot receive any further raises.
Children’s Hospital representatives have been unavailable for comment.
, Andy Killion
