Open letter to Management

On behalf of UNAP 5086, we are writing to express our deep concern about the repeated violations of our contract, primarily in regards to the staffing grids and the grievance procedure. We understand that this administration is new and that everyone may not be well versed in working with a union shop. We also understand that some of the administrators are attempting to follow the contract. Yet this is a binding, legal contract; and the administrations attempts, however sincere, still leave the Retreat out of compliance. Currently we have the following active grievances:

1. T 4 breaks
2. T 2 staffing grid
3. T 3 staffing grid
4. T 1 staffing grid
5. Admissions nurse job change

These grieveances all impact patient and staff safety and the Union will not allow anything but 100% compliance to the staffing grids.

We had hoped that the union and the administration could work cooperatively to make some of the changes that the Brattleboro Retreat needs to make in order to stay alive and flourish. The union is frustrated by the waste of time and energy spent in dispute. We’re working backwards and against everyone’s interests when we have to constantly negotiate contract violations.

The current administration has repeatedly stressed the importance of staff retention here at the Retreat. However when this self same administration walks all over us by blatantly violating the contract instead of approaching us first to discuss needed changes, the members feel disrespected and disinclined to work for this institution.

May Update

The professional issues committee is working on improving T4. Sue Mello thought it was a successful meeting with Vareen. The committee will be meeting again on May 29th to see how the plans are going.

Contracts are in and are being circulated if you need a copy see Mike Barry or Tom Flood.

Elections are due in June and you should be receiving in the mail Information about the Election. Also the budget is up for a vote in June also. Keep tuned for the times and date.

We have a step II grievance that is still going full force and we met with Management on May 16, 2008 to figure it out or move it to step 3. We presented our case and await Managements response. It is a staffing grid issue!

We also have a step III grievance that may go to arbitration, the grievance is centered on breaks. The grievance Committee will meet and discuss what to do next.
The May Day celebration on the commons was small this year but a good time was had by all that attended.

New Members

Monday May 19 starts a new orientation group of 11 new members. Please when you meet them introduce yourself and make them feel welcome. Mike Barry and Tom Manning have taken over orientation which happens at 12:30 on Mondays when there is a new class.

UNAP Scholarship

The UNAP scholarships were announced on May 14 at the Executive council meeting in Rode Island and one of the winners was Rachael Dowd. Rachael is the daughter of Ed Dowd who works on the Adolescent inpatient unit. Congratulations Rachael!