Contact: Flo Baerren
MNA Labor Representative
517/349-5640, ext. 24 or (cell) 517/256-2311
Ann Sincox
MNA Editor
517/349-5640, ext. 42 or (cell) 517/256-2312
July 3, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Professional staff at Barry-Eaton Health Department ratify first MNA-negotiated contract
Charlotte, MI – The Health Care Professionals (Unit II) at Barry-Eaton Health Department have ratified a new three-year contract that includes a wage increase of 1.75% retroactive to March 1, 2007, step increases of 4% annually and retirement plan improvements for employees.
With funding for health departments constantly at risk, the union and BEHD agreed to an annual contract re-opener to negotiate wages, healthcare and short-term disability.
Workers will have a better retirement package, with an increased multiplier of 2.5% under the Municipal Employees Retirement System (MERS). The professional staff will now have a defined benefit (B4, under MERS).
Seniority was addressed in several ways. Professional staff returning to the bargaining unit within one year of leaving will retain their seniority. Seniority is based on time in the bargaining unit for most benefits.
The Professional staff also negotiated the ability to have flex time and the capability to cash in accumulated sick time or donate up to 32 hours a year to a coworker. The members will also see increases in co-payments on office visits and on brand-name prescriptions. However, a Unfair Labor Practice charge is still pending due to the unilateral increase on co-pays of certain drugs without negotiation.
The MNA professional staff members and the Barry-Eaton County Board of Commissioners both approved the contract last month. MNA represents approximately 25 professional staff, including Registered Nurses, Health Educators, Dieticians, Social Workers, and several other classifications.
This is the professional staff’s first contract since voting to have Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) as their certified bargaining agent in July 2006.
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The Michigan Nurses Association is the largest, most effective union for RNs in Michigan. As the voice of all registered nurses in Michigan, MNA advocates for nurses and their patients at the State Capitol, in the community and at the bargaining table. MNA is a constituent member of the United American Nurses and the American Nurses Association and an affiliate of the AFL-CIO.
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