March 9, 2009

Dear MNA Colleague,

As you may know, the Hospital implemented a new Attendance Policy this week. This
policy continues to encourage nurses to come to work ill and also violates our
MNA/BWH contract in a number of areas. The Hospital has been notified in writing
(refer to the back of this letter) of our objections to the policy and our intention to file a
grievance on behalf of any nurse who is disciplined as a result of using sick time.

It is our position that sick time is a negotiated benefit that is available when nurses and
their family members are ill. We do not accept the Hospital’s “formula” of how much
time is “too much”. We encourage you to contact any one of us if you are asked to attend
an investigatory meeting for any reason, including sick time use. Your contract states
that no nurse will be disciplined except for just cause, which means the Hospital may not
just apply a formula and issue a warning.

The new policy also sets out notification and time requirements which are different from
those in the contract. Please notify us if your manager attempts to implement rules that
are different from those in the contract.

Do not hesitate to call us with any issues or concerns regarding the new Attendance
Policy or any other matter. Also, be sure to check our website periodically – www.mnabwhrn.org.

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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