April 6, 2009

Dear MNA Colleague,

On Tuesday, March 24th, the MNA Committee met with bargaining unit members who work in NIC positions.  We believe the outcome from this meeting will bring about the unity our bargaining unit has been yearning for.

Many topics were discussed, resulting in a frank and honest exchange of information that we believe is the first conversation ever to outline underlying issues surrounding the bargaining unit’s frustration with the expectations of the NIC role.

It was made clear the bargaining unit expects support from the NICs, not only at the bedside but also with general union principles that promote our professional practice issues. The bargaining unit, on behalf of the NICs, fought a tremendous fight to protect their union rights and expects reciprocal support when dealing with management on staffing issues, contract compliance and practice concerns.  It was acknowledged that management may deliberately put the NICs in the middle of issues to deflect responsibility.  We will not tolerate this behavior toward our union members.      

Our members in the NIC role have shared a willingness to hear your concerns without the fear of retaliation.  We believe this is a tremendous first step toward rebuilding the relationships that will be needed to support our practice and contract.  When it becomes difficult for the NICs to fight management’s inappropriate decisions we must be prepared to “cover their backs” and stand together.  The key to our unity is our ability to have an open dialogue that is professional and forward-thinking. 

Union membership is not something that can be taken for granted.  It is most assuredly a hard fought right and must be embraced by every member who chooses to work at our hospital.  Our strength is in each other.

In Unity,
Your MNA Committee Members

Barbara Norton, Chairperson, NICU
Michael Robinson, Vice-Chair, ER
Marian Wright, Treasurer, CWN9
Judy Lydon, Secretary, CWN8
Susan Tartaglia, Membership
Judith Racowsky, CWN9
Mary Ann Dillon, 3BC
Trish Powers, OR
Connie Gassett, AMB GYN
Jean Cabral, 9E
Dianne Griffin, 5A
Maureen Kenneally-Ward, L&D
George Rotondo, 6E
Sandra Abber, 16AB
Kristin Robishaw, NICU
Laurie Demeule, Cath Lab.
Michael Savoy, ER

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