On March 1st, healthcare workers at RHS voted by an overwhelming majority to reject the hospital’s contract proposal. The offer includes:
- Outsourcing in all departments, allowing the hospital to farm out healthcare jobs to the lowest corporate bidder.
- No meaningful solutions to workers’ concerns about staffing levels, which are not allowing workers to give their patients the time and attention they deserve.
- Meager wage increases and hikes in healthcare costs that do not keep up with the current healthcare market. Because the area has more than one hospital, it is critical that RHS offer high quality jobs that allow them to recruit and retain a good workforce.
- Part-time employees could work full-time hours forever without being re-classified.
Over 800 workers at RHS will continue working under the old contract while negotiations continue. On March 19th, there will be an informational picket from 11:00am-5:00pm at the hospital. All are welcome to come out and show support!