We Have a Tentative Contract!!!

Local 7631 of the MSNA/CNA/NNOC and Aroostook Medical Center reached a tentative contract Tuesday, July 21st after lengthy negotiations. Federal Mediator, Elayne Tempel, facilitated the final negotiations. The negotiations were professional. There was no ill will between the parties.

Both the Union and TAMC bargained in good faith. Each party made constructive proposals was willing to work on coming to an agreement.

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Here are the barebones items:

1. Term: 01 AUG 2009 – 31 JUL 2010 (existing contract was extended to 31 JUL 2009)
2. The step wage increases remain from the current contract. Members that are past the last step in the wage grid will get $400.00 for FT and $200.00 for RPT.
3. Health insurance premiums will be frozen at the current rate for the duration of the contract.
4. The health insurance declination bonuses will remain intact.
5. The TAMC’s contribution to the retirement plan will be discontinued for the last 6 months of this year and be reinstated in 2010 though the term of the contract.

There is new contract language that addresses OR nurses on call, DSU nurses doing emergency GI cases in the OR, floating, and CPT nurses.

There will be a date set for a ratification vote. Come and vote.

Your bargaining team recommends that the union members vote yes to accept this contract.

Barb Lambarida
Lori McPherson
Liane Koch
Mark Morrow