Bargaining Update: Progress on Workload

March 2012

This week was a tough week at the negotiation table, because the bargaining team tackled workload issues. The team recognizes that workload is one of the big issues for many members in the Case Managers & Patient Educators' bargaining unit. You have reported:

• Caseloads that are unreasonable on a regular basis
• Double caseloads when a co-worker is off
• No time for Educators to prepare for class presentations
• No input by educators into class schedules, which creates unreasonable expectations

The above are only a few of your concerns with workload. You have vocalized in meetings, by email and by the bargaining surveys that you are often over worked, and challenged to complete your work and provide safe patient care and excellent service, because too much is demanded of you in a regular day of work.

The team acknowledges that there are variations in the problem across the region. Specific examples you’ve given were presented in negotiations. Your input made all the difference at the negotiating table, because your examples made the problem real.

We worked hard toward a solution that would serve all, regardless of where you work or your classification. We made substantive progress, and are close to an agreement on this issue that the team believes will make a big difference to all!

Don't forget to vote here on our bargaining group's name before 5 PM today, Friday March 9

We return to the table next week-- March 13, 15 and 16.