UFCW Local 555 and Bay Area Hospital representatives met to continue the collective bargaining process.  Topics of discussion during the two day sessions included the process used to select employees to float to different departments, clarification of the job posting procedures, the professional development approval process and issues relating to employee leaves of absence.  Tentative agreements were reached and signed on a number of issues, including steward involvement in grievances and investigatory interviews, changes to the demotion language of the labor agreement and the funding process for reimbursement to UFCW bargaining team members in the future.

A review of recent changes in the law relating to missed break periods was thoroughly discussed.  The parties confirmed that the hospital’s current practice of providing additional compensation to employees who miss a scheduled break period will end as of the beginning of the first full payroll period in January 2009.

Additional interests identified and discussed included the process used and compensation paid to employees who are requested to work extra shifts, changes to the definition of immediate family under the Bereavement language of the labor agreement, individual employees waivers of premium pay in a variety of circumstances, and various issues relating to Home Health and Physical Therapy.

The parties also reviewed and agreed to renew the existing side letters of agreement.  Most of the language issues have been resolved and the parties anticipate moving into a discussion of economic issues at the next scheduled session.

The next scheduled negotiating session will be on November 3 and 4.  Members who are interested in attending any of the upcoming bargaining sessions must contact Kay Nelson at (541) 756-0579 (Ext. 312) by no later than 5:00 p.m. of the Friday prior to the scheduled meeting dates.