Wow. Today was busy on the Pacific Campus picket line.
We did our picketing in the still gorgeous September sun. People were excited because finally we were having a rally at our hospital.
The strikers were happy to pile into our union vans and go to the Cal & Davies Campuses for rallies, but there is something special about having support at your own hospital. Having people come in from around town and the East Bay to show our bosses that we were sticking together was awesome.
I almost missed the rally. I had gone home to take care of personal business. On my way back I found a Datebook/personal organizer. I didn't want to be late but I wanted to do the right thing.
When I opened the book, you can imagine my surpise when it said "Chaplain Johnson". He is a chaplain with the hospital. I know from my years as a CNA that Chaplains offer spirtual aide to terminally ill patients and their families. I assume this book had his appointments with those people.
I called him on my cell phone--the same one I use to call RNs and get the scoop on what's happening inside--and told him I had his datebook.
He said he would come out and get the book. The chaplain asked how he could recognize me. I told him I was wearing a purple SEIU shirt but that we were friendly strikers. He laughed and said he was a friendly chaplain. Boy is he ever! He said that he would pray for the strikers.
I was afraid that I would miss the rally but once you work in a hospital you can't turn off the caring. I feel that I am striking because I care. I am positive I could provide better care if I didn't have 18 patients.
Luckily I made it to the rally intime to hear great speeches from past and present members of the Board of Supes.
Many of us marched across the barricades and onto the "contemplation maze". Being on the other side of the barricades was great. We were saying it is our hospital too and we are only picketing to make it better.
About 20 of us felt moved to engage in nonviolent civil disobedience. One was a recent retiree who still feels connected to the hospital and the need for better staffing. Thanks Pat!
It is ridiculous that we need to go to these lengths to get the attention of CPMC and Sutter.
When we got home we received letters with the threat of terminating our benefits. Even though they are well aware that the union will pay our COBRA, they sent a letter to workers saying it would cost us between $369.00 and $1828.00.
Too late Jack Bailey, We have known for over a month that the union will pay our COBRA. We did phonebanking again last week to remind people. And yesterday, when everyone picked up their strike pay they were reminded--yet again. We're on top of it and we're going to win.
Just Say Yes. Every letter you send us begins with "Dear Valued Employee", but do you want to be a "valued employer"?
C'mon Just Say Yes!!!
-- Tom
wow tom, how could i forget the rally with the supervisors speaking and seeing pat again. and of course getting the "dear valued employee letter" in 3 languages. that was the biggest joke of the day. valued employee, my a...
if we were so "valued" we would be back to work and not on the line!
Posted by: emily stone | September 29, 2005 at 11:24 AM