LAKEPORT, Calif., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to a planned strike by SEIU, Local 250, on December 1st Sutter Lakeside released the following statement from Kelly Mather, CEO:
“Sutter Lakeside will continue delivering high quality health care during the December 1st strike being called by SEIU, Local 250. We have hired qualified replacement workers to fill in for the clinical lab scientists, respiratory therapists, nurses, pharmacists and other staff members represented by Local 250 who decide to participate in the strike. Patients and visitors should feel welcome, as usual, in the hospital during this time”. “Our priority for our valued staff is providing wages and benefits that are competitive with hospitals in our area. In a recent negotiating session with our professional staff, we proposed a comprehensive compensation package that includes: -- Up to 15% wage increases over three years. -- New Retiree Healthcare Account, valued up to $20,000, to help staff cover the cost of their health benefits after they retire. -- Higher hospital contributions to staffs’ Retirement Plans. -- Increased tuition reimbursement to $1,250 per year (up from $1,000) per staff member to help them expand training and certifications to move up their career ladder. -- Continued fully paid health care coverage for staff. “It is unfortunate that union leaders would spend time organizing a divisive and disruptive strike, rather than focus on reaching agreement on a new, competitive contract for our staff. Clearly, this strike is not about improving the wages and benefits of Lakeside staff or care for our patients. That is why Local 250 has also called strikes at 7 other Sutter hospitals with open labor contracts. Union leaders are trying to force Sutter Lakeside to agree to a “master contract” for all Sutter Health affiliates. But a master contract does nothing for our staff. It is only an attempt to get more members and more dues for Local 250 at other hospitals. We will not agree to a master contract, because it erodes our ability to make decisions about our local healthcare needs and the needs of our staff”. “We will continue to make an effort to reach agreement on a new contract for our staff, and we appreciate the community’s patience during this unfortunate strike.”
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
CONTACT: Tammi Silva of Sutter Lakeside Hospital, +1-707-262-5122,office, or +1-707-264-3533, pager, or silvat@sutterhealth.org