Unit 17’s bargaining session today was marked by productive discussion on a number of issues, capped by two tentative agreements that ensure greater safety for our represented nurses.
Working in prisons with inmate patients always presents the risk of dangerous interaction. These secure facilities require thorough indoctrination and training, so much so that our contract protects our right to receive such training.
Our wins featured added language to ensure the opportunity to collaborate collectively with management regarding the resolution of issues pertaining to employee orientations. We reached an agreement on sections 10.5.17 – Safety Orientation and 13.24.17 – Orientation. Now, if management isn’t offering proper training, the issue can be referred to a Joint Labor Management Committee for solutions.
Also, today, Unit 17 and the State exchanged a number of proposals and counterproposals. We will continue our work to advance our members and resolve outstanding proposals, including those affecting our pay, our working conditions, and our benefits.
As you know, we have not yet reached an overall tentative agreement on a new contract with the State. Remember, our rights are still protected under the terms of our previous contract, which expired on June 30.
Unit-specific bargaining, along with negotiations at the master table, are being scheduled on a day-to-day basis. When there’s activity at the table, we’ll email and post the results, often on the same day. Stay informed with all the bargaining news at our Contract Action Central web page.