A CALL to ACTION!!
All SEIU Members Take Note!
I have said many times in this column and to the co-workers and fellow brothers and sisters that I share membership with in this union that we are all in this together. This means that anytime another union member needs my help, if it is in my ability, I will join them in their endeavor. No other time is it more important then when there is a potential work stoppage.
Therefore, it is now that I call ALL S.E.I.U. brothers and sisters who read this and can help, to show up in a mass show of solidarity with our fellow S.E.I.U. members to begin informational picketing at the Minnesota Epilepsy Group on Thursday, February 11, 2010, outside United Hospital, 225 Smith Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104, from 2:00 pm through 5:00 pm with a rally scheduled for 3:00 pm.
Our fellow SEIU members at Minnesota Epilepsy Group are a very diverse and specialized group who take great pride in the work they do and the benefit that they deliver to our communities.
In these most trying times, these members have shown in overwhelming majority that the unfair contract offer that they have been given is in no way fair, just, or respectful of the specialized and dedicated work that they do.
The contract that protects these members expired on January 5, 2010 and SEIU and the bargaining team members have worked through many hard and trying negotiation sessions in the hope of obtaining a fair contract.
Now, all of us know that sometimes we members are not shown much respect in the offers that our employers seem to feel is adequate for ourselves and our families to survive. But the offer that these members have been given is beyond disrespectful, IT IS DOWNRIGHT SHAMEFUL!
We are all aware of the trying and difficult economic times our nation and world are currently experiencing, but we cannot improve our situations unless the corporations and businesses of our world pay higher wages to increase an individuals ability to purchase more goods and services. It is the basic economic principle of supply and demand. If we do not have the economic ability to purchase products, goods, and services (money=supply), the need for products, goods, and services (demand) will go away, and all in our society will suffer.
The employer’s most recent proposal would eliminate current portions of the contract, by remaining fixed on economic improvements and with no increases to any benefits for the life of the contract. Through the their actions and with this proposal the employer has shown their unwillingness to work with SEIU members and where their priorities are. Our brothers and sisters deserve a living wage for the time they spend with and the care they give their patients every day; for this they are willing to stand united and fight.
The next bargaining negotiation session is slated for Friday, February 12 and a potential work stoppage possible on Monday, February 15. With this time line being given, it is easy to see why we the members of SEIU need to step up and show this employer a unified front willing to go to bat for these members.
With no increase in benefits and a proposal of this nature, one must ask what this or any employer expects from us as workers. I, as a union member, know what I expect. I expect all union brothers and sisters who read this to spread the word and show up in a huge display of solidarity to let this employer and our community know that this unfair and unjust proposal cannot and will not be tolerated!
Stand United on February 11th!
Minnesota Epilepsy Group!
225 Smith Avenue, St.Paul, Mn.
@ 2:00 pm!
Solidarity Today! Solidarity Tomorrow! Solidarity Always!....
In ALL Ways!!!
Mark Freeman
Methodist Hospital