HPAE 5094 University Hospital Contract Update – August 19, 2016

On Monday, August 8th, we had our fifteenth negotiation session with UH management.

We were finally able to get the issue of mid-employment background checks settled.  In the end what we agreed to is nothing more (in our opinion) than they would have been able to do with a simple web search. We also had some discussion on notice of resignation and the payout of accrued benefit time, but came to no signed agreement.

The other large issue discussed is their desire to take back training monies from IS&T staff who leave after getting EPIC (or other) certified. We made it clear that there are a myriad of issues with the department contributing to the high turnover rate that are not simply economic: from unfair and unequal treatment by management, lack of compensation for on call, to enforcing policies that are not in line with the rest of the hospital (e.g., dress code) -we made our case that management’s attitude and actions in that department are largely responsible for the flood of employees leaving. We also discussed a work from home option – something that is quite standard in IT these days. Management informed us that this is something they may be willing to entertain if they can get some agreement on our members having to put in a minimum amount of time at UH after receiving EPIC certification. We told them to bring us a proposal and we would consider it.

Unfortunately there was still no economic counter offer by management. Instead they continue to push their list of concessions with little in return. We are looking at September for our next date – but stay tuned. We may have to make some more noise at Board meetings and the like if management continues pushing give backs while refusing to address our issues.