Toppenish Community Hospital

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Flu Update (11/19/2010)

As we enter another flu season, WSNA is committed to advocating for the health of nurses and the patients that we serve. Because of this commitment, and consistent with interim CDC recommendations, we strongly recommend that nurses and all other health care providers who provide direct patient care be vaccinated this fall.

However, a voluntary vaccination program is only one component of a comprehensive influenza prevention policy that must include hierarchy of controls such as screening visitors and employees, having appropriate and adequate supply of personal protective equipment, patient and employee education programs and supportive workplace infection control practices and policies. If you have reasons for not having the flu vaccine, sign the declination letter. You do not have to provide them with a reason.

WSNA sent a letter to the CEOs and CNOs of all the WSNA represented hospitals (including Toppenish Community Hospital) urging them to adopt an approach that adheres to the comprehensive, proven, and reliable flu prevention protocol recommended by the CDC and offered to partner with the hospitals to achieve optimal levels of health and safety for both patients and nurses.

We believe that masking policies must follow CDC guidelines for all workers, not just those unvaccinated (currently required when within 6 feet of patients) and not be used as a retaliation or punishment for unvaccinated workers. WSNA has opposed policies of employers who require unvaccinated nurses to wear a mask at all times and clearly communicated our position through a variety of methods. The National Labor Relations Board is currently deliberating on our case against Virginia Mason Hospital with regards to their masking policy.

We need you to be vigilant as to whether Toppenish Community Hospital is practicing or providing proper support to adhere to a comprehensive program. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact:

Carmen Garrison WSNA Nurse Rep
1-800-231-8482 ext 3113
cgarrison@wsna.org

New Contract! (10/7/2010)

Congratulations! We have a contract!

Thank you for supporting your negotiating team!

Flicka Aquette
Steve Hogstatt

Nurses United Will Never Be Divided!

Negotiations Update (8/3/2010)

We have completed 3 full days of negotiations. Both sides have presented full proposals and we have seen very little movement from the employer.
We will be heading to Federal mediation and will notify you of the dates and time SOON.
We are working for you to keep our contract fair and to prevent takeaways.

Your negotiation team needs your support. Let’s show our solidarity and stand strong together.

UNITED WE BARGAIN, DIVIDED WE BEG!!!

Please provide us with your email address for quick and easy communication!

Email Mara Kieval RN with your home email address: mkieval@wsna.org

Weingarten Rights (1/1/2010)

Attention all Toppenish Community Hospital RNs - Know Your Weingarten Rules!

Under the Supreme Court’s Weingarten decision when an investigatory interview occurs, the following rules apply:

Rule One: The employee must make a clear request for union representation before or during the interview. The employee cannot be punished for making the request.

Rule Two: After the employee makes the request, the employer must choose among three options. The employer must either:

Grant the request and delay questioning until the union representative arrives and has a chance to consult privately with the employee.
Deny the request and end the interview immediately.
Give the employee a choice of either having the interview without representation or end the interview.

Rule Three: If the employer denies the request for union representation and continues to ask questions, it commits an unfair labor practice and the employee has the right to refuse to answer. The employer may not discipline the employee for such a refusal.

What to do if you are called into a meeting?

Make the following statement: If this meeting could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I respectfully request that my union representative be present at this meeting. Without representation present, I choose not to participate in this discussion.

If you have any questions, contact Carmen Garrison at WSNA 800-231-8482, ext. 3113, or contact your Local Unit Officer Flicka Arquette (ER).

Important Note:
If you find yourself in a situation that you believe creates unsafe conditions for patients or for you, complete the Assignment Despite Objection (ADO) Form as soon as possible.