PHNC Meeting with Representatives from State April 20, 2010
Present:
Judith Moore VP PHNC
Carol Saint
Lisa Wullschleger
Kim Ross-Tilley
Lois Martinez
Mary Conrad
Charlie Shaffer, Uniserv Rep from DSEA
Francine Murphy, Labor Relations Specialist
Patricia Justice, DHSS
Contract Issues
PHNC started the discussion with the Contract Matters in regards to February's Snow days/State of Emergency.
Mr. Charlie Shaffer passed out copies of the appropriate contract articles and Policy Memo #44.
Article 20.6 Staffing of shelters should be an 8 hour duty day.
Mr. Shaffer pointed out that he had sent a memo via email to both County Administrators regarding this prior to the second event after those being sent to shelters during the first event were scheduled for greater than 8 hours. Individuals were still scheduled for 12 hour shifts (not including travel time).
Article 20.8 Payment of shift differential for working 6 pm - 8 am (5%of midpoint)
No one has yet received shift differential.
Policy Memo #44 providing overtime when working emergencies.
Nothing in writing has been found that suspended any policies.
Mr. Shaffer provided an overview of one nurse’s schedule as an example of hours worked in shelters.He provided a colored graph of the Snow Days/State of Emergency showing her normal work shift and what she worked in the shelter. He also provided a copy of his April 5, 2010 email to Ms. Justice regarding unanswered questions pending a grievance.
Ms. Justice shared what information she had:
All information was sent to and reviewed by Kathleen Testa, HR Director for DHSS.
She shared a copy of Dr. Rattay's letter of March 26, 2010 stating the there would be no overtime and that the nurses have an opportunity to decided how their extra pay would be compensated (pay or comp time).
Decision was made that shift differential would not be provided. She stated that those who made the decision had been provided with all information (policy memos and the PHNC contract).
She did say there was an unanswered question about if hours worked in a state of emergency counted toward the 40 hour benchmark for overtime.
She stated that both County Administrators tried to honor the 8 hour duty day limit for shelter scheduling but were not able to do so. An example was given that after the end of the state of emergency, when people were to return to work and most main roads were open, individuals were still being scheduled for 12 hour shifts.
PHNC will file a grievance on the contract issues as no decision is likely to change at present. The grievance will be filed according to the grievance procedure.
Other Issues
-Transportation to and from the shelters was deficient.
Individuals shared experiences of prolonged waits to be picked up (2-3 hour wait times), taken home or completely abandoned after the end of a shelter.
Limited seating in the Hummers.
Suggestions presented:
DHSS meet with the National Guard to formulate a better working relationship and response.
DHSS to use large fleet vehicles (Large 4 wheel SUV or Truck) to transport individuals to or from shelters if needed.
-Since the Army Corp of Nurses has offered to service the shelters, is it necessary for PHNC nurses to staff shelters.
A point was made that there are only half of the nurses in PH there used to be.
Contract with the Red Cross may no longer be needed and doable by PH.
-Shelters had a lack of security. Anyone could have walked in unchecked and caused problems to anyone in the shelters. It was reported there were issues during the shelter after the fire in Wilmington and security was promised to be at each shelter thereafter which did not happen.
-Like other employees working emergency situations, there is no wait time or on call pay. Sometimes a nurse waited hours for transportation to arrive, but was only paid for time in transit and, as we found out today, not always that.
-Issue was raised that there was no penalty for those who did not answer their phones when called to the shelter, which put the burden on those who did answer to report.
Meeting adjourned at 1610.
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Click here for notes taken during a conversation in early April 2009 with department officials about Professional Development and Hudson Clinic employees doing secretarial duties.
PHNC Executive Committee Meeting
February 10, 2009
PHNC office – DHCI
Members Present:Judith A. Moore, Vice-President PH
Robyn Shaner, Secretary
Charlie Schaffer, DSEA
Meeting called to order at 5:30
The budget for 2007-08 (budgeted and actual) and budget for 2008-09 reviewed. It was recommended by Charlie that we also do a projected budget for 2009-10. Millie will be contacted to get with DSEA to do a projected budget for 2009-10.
Old Business:
Contract – The contract has been ratified however it continues to not be signed. The state has refused to sign the contract unless several previously negotiated items are removed. Charlie has given the information to the lawyer for DSEA to review our options.
New Business:
- Nurse’s Week – The first week in May is nurse’s week. PHNC has budgeted $10 per nurse for a gift. Fair share payees will not be eligible to receive the $10 gift as they do not pay local dues. Betty Cash at DSEA will be contacted for a list of the fair share payees.
- Council Representative Meeting – scheduled for March 10th at DSEA board room. Dinner to be provided.
Meeting adjourned at 6:15.
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