New Contracts Issued at ACMH

 

Earlier this month, nurses and technical professionals ratified contracts with ACMH Hospital in East Franklin Township.

PASNAP, the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses & Allied Professionals, represents 420 employees in two bargaining units at ACMH: Registered Nurses and a new unit of Technical Professionals and LPNs.

June 8th’s ratification was particularly meaningful for members of the Technical and LPN unit, as it represents the culmination of their efforts to organize a union and win a first contract.

“We formed our union to have a voice at work, to win respect and recognition and to make improvements for our patients,” said Union Secretary (and Ultrasound Technologist) Sherri Hagofsky. “With this contract, we have achieved these goals and more.”

Staffing was a central issue during negotiations, and the new Tech and LPN contract includes a process for resolving staffing concerns as they arise, as well as a process for reviewing and resolving staffing concerns where patterns may exist.

The Techs and LPNs organized their union in 2014 and worked without a contract as they continued negotiating for a strong first agreement. The union worked through the National Labor Relations Board to require the employer to provide three percent in wage increases during that time, and the new contract will provide an additional two percent increase in January of 2017.

LPNs and technical professionals will receive a ratification bonus, an increase in the employer contribution to the retirement plan, and bonuses ranging from $300 to $2,000 to mark anniversaries beginning at 10 years of service and continuing every five years thereafter.

Local Union President Cris Scott – a Medical Laboratory Technician – said in a press release that this contract was “one of the best I’ve ever seen.”

RNs and CRNAs ratified a one-year contract extension as their Tech and LPN colleagues ratified their first contract. The agreements will now expire within four months of each other, which will allow the hospital’s nurses and healthcare professionals to collaborate in bargaining.
RN and CRNA Union President Carrie Adams said she was very impressed by the commitment the Techs and LPNs have shown in negotiating their first contract.

“I’m thrilled that in a year-and-a-half both of our unions will be at the bargaining table together for the first time to make improvements for ourselves, our patients,
our families and the community,” Adams said.

The RN and CRNA contract includes a 2.25 percent wage increase, a $2,000 annual education benefit to allow CRNAs to pay for increasing Continuing Education requirements, and job bidding improvements to ensure that RNs can advance their careers through a fair and transparent process.

Healthcare costs will remain on the low side of the market, though both contracts include a modest deductible increase to bring costs more in line with other area hospitals.

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