July 17, 2007

After five membership meetings, a new contract was ratified today by the RI Hospital UNAP.  The vote tally was:

YES:  323

NO:  224

Among the highlights of the agreement are:

• Wage increases ranging from 16½ - 33% over the life of the contract
• Improvements in shift differentials
• Improvements in on-call pay
• Continuation of double-time and all other overtime premiums
• Continuation of sick leave buy-back options
• Protection of all health insurance benefits
• Elimination of Lifespan Master Agreement
• Continuation of Labor-Management Liaisons

All members will receive an immediate 5% pay increase retroactive to July 1.  The new contract will expire on June 30, 2011.

CLICK HERE to read a detailed summary of the agreement
CLICK HERE to read FAQs (frequently asked questions)
CLICK HERE to see the new wage scales.

The United Nurses & Allied Professionals and Rhode Island Hospital have reached an agreement on a new four-year contract that will make Rhode Island Hospital nurses, technologists, therapists and other allied health professionals among the highest paid in the State.  The agreement was reached on Monday, July 2 after nine bargaining sessions, including a marathon, sixteen-hour session on June 28. 

CLICK HERE to read a detailed summary of the agreement.

CLICK HERE to see the new wage scales.

CLICK HERE to read FAQs (frequently asked questions.)

July 2, 2007 – After one final day of negotiations, a tentative agreement for a new contract has been reached between the United Nurses & Allied Professionals and RI Hospital.  Among the highlights of the agreement are:

• Wage increases of 16 ½ percent (plus anniversary and longevity steps)
• Improvements in shift differentials
• Improvements in on-call pay
• Continuation of double-time and all other overtime premiums
• Continuation of all sick leave and vacation buy-back options
• Resolution of all leave of absence issues
• Continuation of Labor-Management Liaisons
• Elimination of Lifespan Master Agreement

Full details of the tentative agreement will be sent to all Union members in the next few days.  Membership meetings and ratification vote will be held on Tuesday, July 17.  Location and times to be announced.

Early negotiations survey results
The UNAP has been considering the option of early contract negotiations with RI Hospital.  Based on our membership survey responses, 80% of our members think we should attempt early contract negotiations.  Based on this response, we have scheduled nine bargaining dates with the Hospital in May and June.  Of course, if negotiations are not successful, we will simply negotiate in the spring of 2008, as originally planned.  

Haven't completed the Union survey yet?  You can still respond on-line.
We really want to know what you think.  A few weeks ago, we mailed you a survey, and we have already received hundreds of returns.  If you have not already mailed back the survey, you can now complete the survey on-line by clicking here.  We ask that you please do not respond to the survey more than once.

Membership meetings
As always, we will need your involvement and support for negotiations to be successful.   We encourage you to come to any of the five membership meetings that have been scheduled to share your thoughts and ideas about early contract negotiations.  The meetings will be:

Monday, May 14:  1:00 & 4:00 PM
Tuesday, May 15:  8:00 AM
Wednesday, May 16:  6:00 & 8:00 PM

All meetings will be held at the UNAP office at 375 Branch Avenue, Providence. (Take exit 24 off I-95.)

Haven't completed the Union survey yet?  You can still respond on-line.
We really want to know what you think.  A few weeks ago, we mailed you a survey, and we have already received hundreds of returns.  If you have not already mailed back the survey, you can now complete the survey on-line by clicking here.  We ask that you please do not respond to the survey more than once.