St. Joseph Hospital workers choose CWA Local 1168
308 service employees at Sister's Hospital, St. Joseph Campus voted to join Communications Workers of America 1168 on Wednesday, April 22nd in a secret ballot. The non professional bargaining unit includes various job titles such as certified nursing assistants, secretaries, environmental service workers and transcriptionists. The workers join the more than 200 Registered Nurses CWA Local 1168 already represent at the Hospital. The workers sought union representation because of their desire to have a voice in the decisions that affect their workplace and their ability to care for their patients in the coming merger with Sisters Hospital.
Joan Rutkowski Organizing Committee Member: “Thanks to the perseverance and the strength of the organizing committee over the past year we now are able to achieve a strong voice in the work place along with other CWA 1168 union members.”
What will be in OUR Contract?
Are you wondering what will be bargained at the table after we win our union?
A survey will be sent out to the entire membership to determine OUR Priorities. By submitting a completed survey, the Union Members will decide what our elected coworkers and CWA Staff negotiator will present at the bargaining table. Union Members then vote on the contract.
Many employees are talking about "job security"!
The first step towards job security in a binding union contract is to become a Union. A YES vote on April 22nd will ensure a voice at the bargaining table. The survey will be out soon after the vote. Other priorities expressed during discussions include protecting benefits and wage increases for all.
Negotiating Wages
When our RN peers voted for a Union they did not start at ‘Zero Dollars’! No one would vote for Zero pay. We control negotiations through our elected bargaining committee who will be negotiating for themselves as well as the employees.
Congratulations
Some of our coworkers received pay increases after we filed for our union election. We are on the road towards securing our goals and being protected by our own legally binding contract! Don't forget to start thinking of what YOU want in our contract."
Looking for a "Few Good Union Stewards"
After the election some Union Members will choose to be part of our new union's leadership. CWA 1168 will provide training for those who are elected to serve on the bargaining committee or become stewards. Could our next Union Steward be you?"
Congratulations St. Josephs and Welcome to the Family
Every Vote counted and you made a difference!