From our colleagues at AFT Vermont:
3,300 Support Staff and Techs have been bargaining with UVM Medical Center since April, seeking to improve staffing and retention amongst the hospitals’ lowest paid workers. For months management has made minimal movement by slow-rolling proposals and refusing to bargain over the union’s common good priorities. Now, the hospital has doubled down on contract proposals that dramatically undermine existing staffing protections. This comes on top of layoffs, changes to staffing policies, and a consistent failure to fill open positions. Healthcare workers are sounding the alarm for safe staffing.
Since the contracts expired on August 14th, healthcare workers have the legal right to hold pickets and work stoppages. If management continues to advance proposals that erode the quality of patient care, workers will take collective action to protect the quality of care Vermonters receive. But striking is an enormous financial risk, especially for low wage workers. Support the strike hardship fund to ensure healthcare workers are able to cover rent, food, and other essentials. If healthcare workers are able to reach an agreement, collected funds will be held by AFT Vermont, and used to support any local workers who are on strike in the future.
Contribute to the UVMMC Support Staff and Techs Strike Fund. Contributions will support workers in case of a strike.