Trumbull Memorial SEIU Rejects Contract Proposal

Friday, May 11, 2012

WARREN, Ohio – More than 400 workers at Trumbull Memorial Hospital represented by Service Employees International Union District 1199 overwhelmingly rejected a contract offer by management last night, barely a day before tonight’s midnight expiration of the current contract extension.

In a statement issued following last night’s vote, SEIU said hospital executives proposed “crippling concessions that could reduce the number of caregivers on hand” in patients’ “time of need,” and characterized the contract changes in the “last, best proposal” offered by executives of ValleyCare Health System as unsafe and unfair.

“After giving back $40 million in concessions to preserve quality health care to this community, corporate greed has motivated hospital executives to demand the power to cut staff, make health care unaffordable and deny workers a livable wage,” said Mary Ann Hupp, administrative organizer with SEIU District 1199. “We call upon ValleyCare executives to return to the bargaining table and reach an agreement that allows workers to continue to provide quality care with dignity and respect on the job.”

ValleyCare management has proposed “low census” furlough days which would allow management to send workers home after they have reported to work with no pay up to 36 times a year, potentially leaving the hospital understaffed, SEIU spokesman Anthony Caldwell said.

In addition, management has proposed changes to its wellness program that would mean increased premiums for anyone not meeting wellness criteria. “As a recognized health-care provider in this community, ValleyCare should be a leader in providing affordable health-care for its employees -- not raising rates to levels that make it unaffordable,” he said.

TMH spokeswoman Debora Bishop issued a statement articulating ValleyCare’s disappointment that the contract was not accepted. ValleyCare was formed from the assets of the former Forum Health when they were purchased by Tennessee-based Community Health Systems Inc. in fall 2010.

“Trumbull Memorial Hospital is committed to quality patient care and we provide a good working environment for our employees. The hospital put forth a fair and competitive contract proposal for employees represented by the SEIU,” ValleyCare said in its statement.