But that means that they will put more work on the residents, and
depending on the financial numbers they may cut nurse practitioner
positions. I’m very concerned. No matter how valuable we are to the
improved outcomes to the patients, the bottom line is that we are
reducing the quality of care because we can’t afford anything more.
Our bargaining teams have traditionally bargained for over 100 hours
from July through the end of Sept. The county has decided to give us
16 hours, recently adding an additional 4 hours tomorrow. Recently,
they have alluded to going to impasse. We have proposed non-financial
changes to our contract and management is even refusing to address them.
We need hundreds of members to call Bill Fujioka at (213) 974-1101.
Let him know that it’s unreasonable to think we can finish our
negotiations with only 20 hours; that we are dedicated public servants
and are working hard to improve our patient care. The County is
turning their backs on its citizens at a time of need.
Also please make every effort to come to the Contract Campaign Meeting
this Sat Aug 29, 9-11 a.m., located at Carson Community Center, 801 E
Carson St., Carson CA 90745.
Also we need to write our Senators, Representatives and the President
to support a strong, well-funded public option. A good health care
reform bill that provides support for our patients will be essential to
maintaining and improving care by the institutions we work for. Even if
you have never gotten involved in politics before, this is the time to
participate.