Aug 12, 2008  
Bargaining – 8/4/08 & 8/6/08
 
At the days end our mediator came back and wanted to talk about wages. He said that was the biggest issue with management.

On the 4th, the Union Bargaining Team met with Administration as usual. I think there was to be a mediator this time but he had another commitment. Charlie, the union chief negotiator wanted to go over our last counter offer to try and determine what management doesn’t liked about it. Administration brought up last and final again but wanted to wait for the federal mediator, David Weinberg on Wednesday 8-6-08. It sounds like little was accomplished on Monday the 4th.

On the 6th, the team and administration met with the federal mediator present this time. John, the UHW V.P. for the hospital division was also present. The two met and went over the unions issues. After that David and John talked most of the morning with Administration about their issues.

At the days end our mediator came back and wanted to talk about wages. He said that was the biggest issue with management. Administration said we are asking for too much but agreed there is more money for the wage pot. David said that Enloe had made enough movement to warrant delaying our strike date. A good reason for this is also that he can’t meet this coming week. I have just been told that it will be on Tuesday 8-19-08 at a still to determined location. We will let people know the location when it is decided.

There was a bake sale this week for the hardship strike fund netting $458.00. That’s pretty good. We are also planning a car wash and other events in the coming days.

The bargain team members are also drafting an update to send off the Enloe Board of directors. This is to give them the other side of the story. The board members said that they have liked our letter updates and found them helpful. This can’t be bad.

Any questions; call Pat Alvarez or ask a bargaining team member. We’ll try keep you updated. Thanks for your support of your coworkers.