Wage improvements, retro pay, improved healthcare are highlights
SEIU-UHW members at five Evergreen nursing home facilities approved a strong new contract on Thursday, September 24, by a vote of 151 to 2. The agreement contains significant pay raises, retro pay, and strong new contract language against subcontracting.
"I think this contract is a great example of what we can accomplish when we stay strong and stay united in our goals," said Brenda Villagomez, a member of the bargaining team. "I'm very excited that we stuck together and won a good contract."
The wage increases start with a 4% raise this year, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2009 and a 3.5% raise effective Jan. 1, 2010. An additional raise between 10 cents and 25 cents will take effect next year if average Medi-Cal reimbursement increases for all facilities are between 4 and 5.5%. On Jan. 1, 2011 another 3.5% raise takes effect, plus 20 cents more across the board in Heartwood and Springs Road and 5 cents more at the Katherine facility.
Other enhancements include improve healthcare and sick leave policy for workers at the Heartwood, Springs Road and Katherine facilities, strong subcontracting language, and the creation of a real labor-management committee.
The Evergreen contract is the result of several months of hard work by SEIU-UHW Evergreen members and their bargaining committee. Congratulations to all the workers at Evergreen.
