Nursing Home Workers Ratify Tentative Contract Agreement (SEA/SEIU 1984)

http://nhlabornews.com/2014/03/nursing-home-workers-ratify-tentative-contract-agreement-seaseiu-1984/

Laconia, NH, March 26, 2014 – Last night, workers at Belknap County Nursing Home voted by a vast majority to accept a tentative agreement reached between the collective bargaining teams of the workers and the county administration.

The tentative agreement provides for a modest cost of living adjustment (COLA) of 1.5%, which is the first raise the workers will have received in the last two years. The employees, who provide care for our seniors have been watching consumer prices climb as their income has remained the same. “We haven’t had a COLA in two years, while the cost of everything else increases,” said Ricky Nedeau, a member of the SEA/SEIU Local 1984 bargaining unit. “It’s a small adjustment, but it moves us in the right direction.”

The respective bargaining teams arrived at an innovative approach to help contain the costs associated with the workers’ health care benefits. All nursing home workers will be mandated to participate in wellness activities designed to make them healthier and more informed about their personal health. “It’s become clear that we need to think outside the box to help lower health insurance costs,” said Tanya Phillips, treasurer of the union chapter at the Nursing Home. “Becoming healthier and more health conscious is a great first step in that direction for Belknap County workers.”

The contract will next go to the County Commissioners for approval. Following that step, the contract will go to the County delegation that will need to make a supplemental appropriation, as the funds for the 1.5% increase were not included in the budget.

FULL story at link.

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