It’s my Anniversary!! It has just dawned on me that by the time you receive this Newsletter I will have celebrated my 35th year anniversary with SEIU Local 722. I started my employment with the Local on September 5, 1985. It was my intention at that time to work for the Local no more than five (5) years. Like many of you that work at the hospitals I look up and realize that it has been seven (7) times that amount.

Before I get into disseminating information that I know you should have, I would like to take some time to thank the many of you that have supported me throughout my tenure and have put up with me during my highs and lows, accomplishments and mistakes and my general professional growth. I cannot count or name the numerous friends and associates that I have met, and especially those that just call me out of the blue to check on me. I really appreciate you all.

We are living in some turbulent times. Health Care crisis, COVID – 19, Social and Political unrest, Systemic Racism, Sexism, and many other issues are at the front of our doors. It is more important now than ever that we stay united and we fight to overturn or positively impact these issues. The most obvious way to affect a change is to make sure that you VOTE in the upcoming elections. Not only do you make sure that you vote, but that your entire family, your friends and coworkers also vote. This election is already predicted to have a heavy impact on the makeup of the Supreme Court. An impact that will have an effect on your children, grandchildren, and even your great-grandchildren’s lives. If you need help registering to vote, please contact the Union Office and we will assist you the best that we can.

Now I would like to give you some information on a couple of disciplines that are on the rise at both Hospitals.

First, there has been a rise in disciplines for members coming to work, clocking in and then leaving the building to go move their cars.

Please stop this immediately. When you clock in you are supposed to be dressed and ready to work. This action can subject you to immediate termination. Believe me the Hospitals cameras actually work, and work well by the way.

Secondly, by cognizant of the amount of tardiness and call outs you have. I suggest that you read your contract, and if nothing else, periodically check your time records, or request in writing the amounts that you have.

Thirdly, the amount of insubordination disciplines is on the rise. Simply put, never refuse to do an assignment unless it is a health or safety hazard to you or someone else. The rule is to perform the assignment and then grieve it. In line with insubordination, please be cognizant of your language on the job. There has been an uprising in profanity, and verbal threats while working. Please think before you act or speak.

The last thing I would like to remind you of, or to reinforce, is your right to Union Representation. If you are called into any meeting, you have a right to know what the meeting is about and to request Union Representation. The employer does not have to remind you of this right. You must request it. One thing that you will notice when called into a meeting is the fact that there are usually two managers in the meeting with you. They have a witness, you need one too. Request a Representative.

Everyone stay safe and healthy. Let’s get ready for the Election