Sutter/CPMC lies are getting bigger by the day, even in an official setting such as the strike hearing by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors’ Government Audits & Oversight Committee yesterday afternoon. Sutter/CPMC is getting desperate over the growing realization that our striking members are winning this battle, that we are getting stronger.
The biggest whopper spun by Sutter/CPMC PR representatives sent to the hearing hosted by Board Pres. Aaron Peskin, Chris Daly and Sean Elsbernd was that Sutter had called the union on Sunday, inviting us back to the bargaining table. Not so. We did not get such a call.
Peskin asked John Borsos, our chief negotiator, straight out, “Is this true?” John’s answer: “Not true.” As a matter of fact, he said, “We called CPMC two hours ago to confirm whether the board passed a resolution to return to the table and received no response.” Things can’t be much clearer than this. What was clear, however, was John’s overview for supervisors of UHW contracts in place at Kaiser, CHW and Chinese Hospital. Peskin was amazed CPMC could be so arrogant as to reject industry-standard agreements.
CPMC’s communications rep jumped in, offering that the dispute is not about wages and benefits, but about a “gag order” regarding organizing rights. Peskin, reading from the federal mediator’s settlement proposal, asked, “Where does it say gag order?” It doesn’t exist, just like Sutter/CPMC’s phantom call to reconvene negotiations.
Four CPMC RNs—Eileen Prindeville, Elizabeth Galvin-Little, Mary Needham and Dianne Weyna—testified that patient care, working conditions and hygiene at CPMC are very bad. Patients in triage wait for hours before receiving pain meds, said Galvin-Little, who’s worked in labor & delivery for 25 years. She noted it takes 2-3 hours for rooms to be cleaned. “Paper towel dispensers are empty, and there’s no soap.”
Diane Weyna, speaking for charge nurses, said RNs often have to beg to get EVS services even though there are lots of replacement workers around. “Personally, I don’t know what they do,” she said.
Because of deteriorating conditions, patients are susceptible to infections, “a dangerous situation,” said RN Mary Needham.
Vicki Bermudez, RN and regulatory policy specialist for CNA, added lengthy testimony regarding growing patient care concerns at CPMC. “The absence of adequate nursing assistance, housekeeping, dietary, laundry and central processing services has compromised efforts of RNs,” she said. “The work environment is chaotic and supervision of replacement staff is minimal. We find blood residue in the labor & delivery surgery area and in the patient rooms after the rooms supposedly have been cleaned. Night nurses especially have been startled by replacement workers suddenly coming out of empty rooms where they’ve been sleeping rather than working. They rove the halls in groups and appear to have nothing to do despite the fact that much work needs to be done.”
Frustrated by Sutter’s inability to answer their questions, SF Supervisors called for another hearing next Monday, Oct. 24, advising Sutter they better bring someone who can respond to supervisor concerns, like Martin Brotman. After the hearing, Mayor Gavin Newsom joined strikers in front of City Hall and said he was ready to take action to resolve the dispute. His very next phone call, he said, would be to Brotman in support of the mediator’s compromise to end the strike. Developments are moving our way.
Sal Rosselli
I'm an employee at CPMC and have been on strike for over a month. And honestly sick and tired of the excuses. It really evident that Sutter does not really care about patients puting them at risk with the bad sanitary conditions at the hospital. And appalled hearing the commercials that they really care. If they really care, they would sign the contract and let the regular workers do the job that they hire twice as much workers to do.
That really shows you how feeble minded people and corporate greed can do to you. Jack Bailey do everyone a favor and please sign the contract.
Posted by: Ed | October 18, 2005 at 10:56 PM
I just read about this blog on alternet.org and wanted to give you all some encouragement! I was in Communications Workers of America union for 30 years and "hit the bricks" many times. Stay strong,stay calm,and do not let management or scabs provoke you. Always have your cell phone and a disposable camera with you.
Anyone of you could be approached by the media-keep it calm and concise.They can bring the public to your side and increase the pressure on management.
On the practical side: you may be able to sign up for unemployment and/or food stamps. Look into it. Call your mortgage holders, car financers,utility companies and credit card companies to let them know you're on strike.Many places have "skip payment" options or will allow you to just pay the interest.
Stay strong and know that many of your brothers and sisters from many different types of unions across the country wish you success in your struggle.
In Solidarity,
A Union Sister from Ohio
Posted by: Union Sister | October 19, 2005 at 06:25 AM
dear union sister
thanks for the support and the practical advice
Posted by: emily stone | October 23, 2005 at 08:21 AM