Nurses voice issues before ARMC board
Sean Harkins
POSTED: March 25, 2008
Article Photos
Many union members and supporters stood at in the back of a conference room during the meeting and applauded MNA Unit One President Amy Pfiefer-Twite after she addressed the board.
Pfiefer-Twite, who is a registered nurse, said the nurses are being asked to take more cuts than any other employees at the hospital. She has said ARMC is asking for concessions in insurance costs, longevity and vacation time.
“The lack of respect the nurses are shown at the bargaining table is not a surprise,” she said.
She went on to address safety issues the union has expressed concern over, including working in a stressful environment, and handling bodily fluids.
When Pfiefer-Twite finished her statement, most of the audience members — around 40 in all — applauded.
Board Chairman James Mazrum responded to the comments made by Pfiefer-Twite.
“I want you all to know we are concerned about our nurses and our morale,” he said.
Mazrum went on to say he believed the issue dividing management and the union was not safety.
“I am not so naive to think this is for anything other than us asking the nurses to pay for some of their benefits,” he said.
If the nurses were to accept the deal they are currently offered, they would still pay less for benefits than most hospitals, Mazrum said.
“We’re not asking to rearrange the world,” he said.
Pfiefer-Twite said if money is an issue, the board should listen to consultant’s recommendations and reduce spending on administrative positions.
The nurses have not had a contract since Feb. 23 and she said since the last board meeting, negotiations have regressed.
“The last thing we want to do is get into a work stoppage situation,” she said.
Both parties will meet today to continue the negotiation process.
In other business, the board approved the purchase of bariatric lift equipment for 2/3 South, the intensive care unit and the emergency room.
The equipment is used to move patients weighing up to 1,000 pounds and was purchased for $44,795. A portable lift, used to move patients from a vehicle to a gurney was included in the purchase.
Board member Beach Hall said the equipment will improve the safety conditions for staff members and patients.
“Its been on people’s radar and it was time to act,” he said.
Sean Harkins can be reached via e-mail at sharkins@thealpenanews.com'>sharkins@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688.
