CWA 1133 Communications Newsletter
January 2023
SPOTLIGHT: I would like to introduce myself to everyone again. My name is Jamie Banks, I am one of the Elected Executive Board members and I work as a Cardiac Cath lab technologist. Most of you would probably remember me from the strike. Either from walking and talking to people on the picket lines, to possibly having a conversation about your schedule. It was an interesting time that I will never forget and am happy that I was able to be utilized that way. A little more about me, I was a manager at an Orthodontists Office before returning to school for Radiology. After graduating I worked at Excelsior Orthopedics then came to Catholic Health. I have been with Catholic Health for almost 10 years, first as a Radiologic Technologist, then CT and finally to my current position. During my time at Mercy, I was also a Clinical Instructor for Trocaire College at Buffalo General/GVI, and after 5 years finally stepped away just before the strike. Meeting other people, learning how other organizations work, and somethings that do not work has been invaluable while serving my time on your Board. Executing our new contract, and the overall challenges that healthcare has had over the past few years has proven to be difficult, but the victories that have come outweigh it. My passion for fighting for what members deserve has continued to grow, along with trying to resolve hard issues that divide us. I thank you for the opportunity that has been given to me and will continue to do my very best for you!
DID YOU KNOW?
Starting January 1, 2023
1. Go to cwa.org/staffingform or scan QR code to submit staffing data for any shift you work– when staffing is short, and even when it isn’t. We can’t rely on management to track staffing.
2. File a complaint when your staffing isn’t what it should be. Possible complaints may be that you are assigned too many patients, you are denied a break, or your patients acuity is high, but there are SO many other situations that may be a violation. If you aren’t sure, talk to your staffing captain or reach out to your local for more info!
3. In addition, fill out the protest of assignment form each shift you are short staffed currently a paper copy that is located in all of the units. We are hopeful the electronic one will come mid-January
The following upgrades are effective January 1, 2023:
Labor Grade 5 Clinical Support Aide
Labor Grade 5 Environmental Service Worker
Labor Grade 5 Transport
Labor Grade 6 Nursing Assistant
Labor Grade 6.5 Certified Nursing Assistant
Labor Grade 6.5 Lead Environmental Service Worker
Labor Grade 8 Dialysis Technician
Labor Grade 8 Immediate Treatment Assistant
Article 11
Probationary Period
Section 1. All employees shall be probationary for a period of ninety (90) calendar days following their date of hire inclusive of the orientation period. Periods of leaves of absence shall not be counted as days toward the completion of the probationary period.
Section 2. During the probationary period, the Employer/Hospital may discipline or discharge a probationary employee without recourse to this Agreement.
Section 3. The probationary period may be extended by thirty (30) calendar days, at the Employer/Hospital's option, by giving notice of extension in writing to the employee and the Union, seven (7) days prior to the expiration of the ninety (90) day probationary period.
Section 4. After successful completion of the probationary period employees shall have their seniority computed from their last date of hire.
Section 5. All employees that are re-hired within six (6) months shall not be subject to probation provided they have previously completed the probationary period.
Section 6. All graduate nurses, as well as employees who transfer into a graduate nurse position, must pass the New York State Department of Health Professional Licensing Exam within six (6) months of the date of hire/transfer.
Community Service Committee ;
We donated Christmas Stockings filled with presents for all 84 Residents to make their Holidays brighter.
