When MARCH was first opened the Union and OHSU bargained a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the wages and working conditions at MARCH. In many ways MARCH represented a challenge for both parties in the negotiations.
From the union side we were dealing with occupations not traditionally part of our union and trying to develop a pay structure that allowed for tips, bonuses and commissions while providing benefits for jobs which usually are not benefitted in the private sector. From the management side it was a completely new line of business with which OHSU was largely unfamiliar.
We reached out first agreement before MARCH opened and after about a year we negotiated a subsequent agreement incorporating what we learned the previous year into the new agreement. I have attached a copy of that agreement.
The agreement was to run for about a year at which time the parties could bargain changes and following that opportunity the agreement would run until either party gave a 30 day notice of its intent to cancel the agreement.
Last November OHSU gave notice of its intent to cancel.
Following some informal discussion OHSU presented the Union with a formal proposal for a new Memorandum of Understanding two weeks ago. OHSU has proposed some radical changes to the agreement which will benefit some members, and in the Union’s opinion, adversely affect some members. OHSU has cited its need to be competitive in the market and has made the argument that MARCH staff are paid above the market under the current agreement.
The Union has a different perspective, as you might expect.
The Union will be responding to this proposal at our next bargaining session and before we do, the bargaining team will meet with you and discuss our response. At that meeting we will have copies of OHSU’s proposal for members to review. We will discuss the Union’s response to OHSU’s proposal.
Download:
march agreement.pdf
