WALKER METHODIST UPDATE

WALKER METHODIST WORKERS
WIN FIRST CONTRACT

Joan Evans, Nickson Nyankabaria, and Nickson Kihima cast their votes.

A hard-won first contract was recently claimed by some 350 workers at Walker Methodist Health Center in Minneapolis, who first voted to form a union with AFSCME nearly five years ago.

Members followed their union bargaining team’s recommendation to accept the contract, voting two-to-one to ratify on April 4.  The contract, which runs through September 2009, covers about 350 nursing assistants, food service employees, maintenance and laundry workers, housekeepers and activity aides from Local 3532.  Some 60 LPNs make up a second bargaining unit, which will vote on the contract April 25.

Nickson Nyankabaria told us, “I’ve been here since the beginning of the struggle, and I am happy for everybody. The contract will provide job security, which we’ve never had before. It will also give us a voice on the job.”

The success of this contract was built not only by Walker workers, but also from broader community support from other locals, the faith community, and elected officials. (update 4/14/2008)

AFSCME Local 3532 and AFSCME Council 14 / Council 5

(4/7/2008)

Walker Methodist workers finally vote on first contract -  (4/7/2008) By Steve Share, Labor Review editor

MINNEAPOLIS - Workers at Walker Methodist Health Center in Minneapolis voted on their first union contract, a milestone in a nearly five-year struggle waged by workers there for union recognition and a contract.

AFSCME Local 3532, which represents the Walker workers, includes two groups of workers who voted on two different contracts, explained Tom Burke, field  representative for AFSCME Council 5.

The larger unit, comprised of about 340 workers, voted to approve their contract by a margin of two to one, he announced Monday. Burke said the vote by the smaller LPN unit, comprised of 50 workers, is "still in progress."

Members of the Local 3532 negotiating team, along with AFSCME Council 5 staff, were on hand to answer questions about the contract while voting took place in a cafeteria at Walker on Friday. As a reporter visited the voting site, one woman asked questions of a Council 5 staff member while another woman sat quietly at a table nearby studying the contract.

The negotiating committee recommended a "yes" vote on the contract, which extends through September 30, 2009.

"We've got to make changes around here," said Rosalyn Byers, L.P.N., a six-year Walker employee and a member of the negotiating committee. She said "job security" was the main achievement of the contract.

  "We've got to make changes around here," said Rosalyn Byers, LPN, a member of the AFSCME Local 3532 negotiating committee. Labor Review photo

"Most of the contract is job security," agreed Nickson Nyankabaria, also a negotiating team member. "Before, you could be fired for no reason." With the contract, he said, "you're guaranteed a grievance process."

Nyankabaria is one of the Walker employees who first began the organizing effort five years ago. "It's been a long struggle," he said.

Workers first voted to organize with AFSCME in May 2003 but employer protests to the National Labor Relations Board delayed union recognition until April 2007. Negotiations on a first contract began in May 2007.

The final negotiating session ran until 3 a.m. March 27, Nyankabaria said, when a tentative agreement finally was reached.

Nyankabaria was beaming as workers came in to cast their vote on the contract. "I'm so excited," he said. "We wanted to have a voice."

Nearly 400 workers were eligible to vote on the contract, Burke said.

Steve Share edits the Labor Review, the official publication of the Minneapolis Central Labor Union Council. Visit the CLUC website, www.minneapolisunions.org

(3/27/2008)

After five long years of struggling for justice, Walker workers and management came to a tentative agreement for a first contract in the early morning hours on Thursday, March 27. 

Highlights of the agreement include a procedure for scheduling workers and resolving grievances, plus a wage hike of 1.12 percent.  In addition, the Union Negotiating Team fought off the employer’s proposals to deny holiday pay and paid breaks for nursing aides. Walker workers will now vote on their contract.  Stay tuned for details. This is a tremendous victory for workers, management, the faith community and neighbors in South Minneapolis. 

Congratulations to all who helped to make this happen. Thanks for taking time to make the phone calls to the CEO of the nursing home, walk with the workers when they had informational pickets, doorknocked neighbors for lawn signs and supported the workers in their five year struggle.  Where there is a will, there is a way and the workers of Methodist are showing that their will provided the way!

(3/24/2008)

WALKER WORKERS DIG IN THEIR HEELS: Walker Methodist workers are digging in their heels for a good contract as negotiations continue with harmful takeaways still on the table. Management wants to stop paying time and a half for holidays and won’t budge on it’s disciplinary point system. Further contract delays deny Walker workers the economic justice they deserve. Now is the time to pressure management to give Walker workers a fair contract.

Let’s continue to flood the employers’ phone lines with voices that support Walker workers.

Call Board Chair Norma Larson at 651-455-0862. Tell her to contact Walker CEO Lynn Starkovich to settle the contract now and give justice to Walker workers.

Call Walker CEO Lynn Starkovich at 612-827-8517. Demand that management negotiates in good faith with the union to ensure economic justice for the workers and quality care for residents.

(3/7/2008)

Still No Contract for Walker Methodist Workers Nearly Five Years Since Vote: By Steve share, Minneapolis Labor Review (3/7/2008)

Workers at Walker Methodist Health Center in Minneapolis continue to work without a contract. May 2008 will mark five years since nursing home workers there voted to join AFSCME. April 2008 will mark one year since the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) finally certified the pro-union vote, a decision rejecting years of management resistance to the union.

Contract negotiations began in July 2007 and “they have progressed slowly,” said Tom Burke, field representative for AFSCME Council 5. “They still have not given us any wage proposal.”

As the Labor Review went to press February 21, mediation sessions run by the NLRB were scheduled for February 22 and February 25.

In January, Walker unilaterally imposed a health insurance increase of about nine percent, Burke said, prompting AFSCME Local 3532 to file an unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB.

AFSCME also has filed charges with the NLRB accusing Walker of “surface bargaining” — going through the motions of bargaining without bargaining in good faith.

The negotiations include two separate contracts for AFSCME Local 3532’s two units at Walker. One unit includes about 350 workers who are nursing assistants or work in food service, maintenance and housekeeping. The other unit includes about 60 LPNs.

“We’re coming up on a deadline at the end of March,” Burke noted. By March 31, Walker must apply to the State of Minnesota to receive a legislated increase in Medical Assistance reimbursements for nursing home care. State law, however, directs that Walker must have ratified labor agreements to apply for the increase.

“We are nowhere near an agreement,” Burke told the Labor Review February 20. “I have always suspected they would come in in the middle of March and slap a contract on the table and say, ‘sign this.’”

AFSCME urges phone calls to Walker CEO Lynn Starkovich at 612-827-8517 to demand that management negotiate in good faith with the union to ensure economic justice for the workers and to ensure quality care for residents. 

(1/31/2008)

WALKER WORKERS FED UP WITH MANAGEMENT’S BAD BEHAVIOR: Walker  Methodist  workers persevere through management’s bad behavior during negotiations. Management cancelled the last mediation session scheduled for Friday, February 1.

The  next session is scheduled for February 22. We want to flood the boss’s phone line with voices that support Walker Workers. Call Walker CEO Lynn Starkovich  at  612-827-8517 to demand that management negotiate in good faith with the union to ensure economic justice for the workers and to ensure quality  care  for  residents. Thanks  to all who have called so far - we ask that you continue to call. Consider a group action and call during your Local meeting.

(1/22/2008)

WALKER WORKERS TURN UP THE HEAT
The fight for economic justice continues at Walker Methodist Health Center. Workers are currently in mediation with management for their first contract. Workers have filed yet another unfair labor practice for surface bargaining, in addition to previous ULPs filed.

The next mediation session is scheduled for Friday, February 1.  We want to flood the boss’s phone line before Friday with voices that support Walker workers. Call Walker CEO Lynn Starkovich at 612-827-8517 to demand that management negotiate in good faith with the union to ensure economic justice for the workers and quality care for residents. Walker workers appreciate the larger support of their brothers and sisters in their fight for justice.

(1/2008)

WALKER METHODIST WORKERS FIGHT FOR JUSTICE
The fight for economic justice continues at Walker Methodist Health Center.  Workers are currently in mediation with management for their first contract.  While some agreements have been made with grievances, time off and other language, management has yet to give a wage proposal, which they have been promising for months.  Meanwhile, workers have filed an unfair labor practice in response to a letter received informing them of health insurance rate increases to take effect January 2008.

Employees are outraged that management is still treating them with disrespect and using intimidation tactics when they have come so far together.  When workers punch in at Walker, they shouldn’t have to punch out their human rights.

CLICK HERE FOR A NEGOTIATION UPDATE

(5/2007)

Union Election Upheld at Walker Methodist Health Center

Employer to Negotiate With Nursing Home Workers

(Minneapolis, MN) – Workers at Walker Methodist Health Center have waited nearly four years for certification of their vote to form a union with AFSCME Council 5. They got the green light this week with a decision by the National Labor Relations Board. Now their union, employer and Methodist supporters are expressing optimism about negotiating in good faith to ensure justice for workers and quality care for residents of the south Minneapolis nursing home.

"The decisions of the NLRB bring to a close this chapter of our employees' efforts to form a union," said Walker Methodist Health Center CEO Lynn M. Starkovich. "We now look forward to working cooperatively with their chosen representative, AFSCME Council 5, to achieve a fair agreement that may benefit everyone and serve the needs of our residents."

"Nursing home workers deserve respect and quality compensation because they give dignity and quality care to our most vulnerable elders," said Eliot Seide, director of AFSCME Council 5. "We look forward to negotiating our first contract with Walker Methodist."

"Walker workers celebrate today because we know that our votes count," said Tracy Plante, a LPN at Walker Methodist Health Center. "Now we can bargain together for good wages, benefits and working conditions. And we will have a powerful voice to improve patient care."

Nursing assistants, housekeepers, maintenance, laundry and dietary workers at the nursing home voted to join AFSCME on May 30, 2003. Licensed practical nurses voted to join the union on July 30, 2003. The LPNs’ ballots were counted today after being impounded by the NLRB for nearly four years.

As allies, AFSCME Council 5 and Walker Methodist will partner to secure government funding for direct care workers at nursing homes. Together they will ask the 2007 Legislature to pass a bill that would provide a rate increase for nursing home facilities, with three-quarters of the funding to be used for increased wages and benefits for workers.

With 600 workers and 490 residents, Walker Methodist Health Center is the largest nursing home in Minnesota. It is located at 3737 Bryant Ave. S. in Minneapolis.

Council 5 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees provides one strong united voice for 43,000 public and non-profit workers throughout Minnesota. It is the union chosen by frontline nursing assistants, LPNs, dietary, laundry and janitorial staff at Walker Methodist Health Center.

(8/2005)

Methodists Pressure NLRB to Recognize Union at Walker Methodist Health Center - (8/2005): Workers at Walker Methodist Health Center want a union, but the National Labor Relations Board is dragging its feet on a decision over a disputed second vote to organize. The United Methodist Church recently reaffirmed the workers' right to organize. The church's resolution urges prayers for a swift resolution to ensure justice for workers and quality care for residents.

Below is resolution #520 submitted by the Rev. Seth Garwood and the Rev. Jim Haun:

The Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church reaffirms its endorsement of the right of workers at Walker Methodist Health Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota , to form a collective bargaining unit. We renew our call for Walker Health Center management to negotiate in good faith and conclude contracts for workers organized under collective bargaining agreements in compliance with the principles and values stated in the Social Principles.

We lament the lack of progress in the past year toward recognition of results of the May 30, 2003, vote and request our bishop to mediate a process involving Walker management and union representatives toward resolution of this specific issue.

We also call upon Walker management and union representatives to cooperatively press the National Labor Relations Board for a decision on the disputed second vote. Furthermore, the Minnesota Annual Conference petitions the president of the United States and our state's congressional delegation to press the National Labor Relations Board for a decision on this appeal.

This action is to be communicated to the president of the United States and the congressional delegation by the conference secretary.

We call upon all members and agents of the annual conference and its local churches to lift up in prayer all employees and staff, including management, at Walker Methodist Health Center, that swifter resolution may be found to ensure justice for the workers so that this ministry may be at peace for the greatest good for all, especially for the residents.

(7/2004)

Walker Methodist workers need your support! (Information from AFSCME Council 14 website)

In May 2003, workers at the Walker Methodist nursing home in south Minneapolis voted overwhelmingly to form a union with AFSCME. Walker Methodist management continues to refuse to recognize the union, abusing the National Labor Relations Board process in order to deny the workers a voice. Management is violating the social principles of the United Methodist Church which support the rights of workers to form a union.

AFSCME Council 14 is waging a multifaceted community support campaign to bring pressure upon Walker Methodist to drop its NLRB appeals, immediately recognize the union, and open negotiations for a contract. AFSCME members (especially those who also belong to the United Methodist Church) can help support the Walker Methodist workers fight in many different ways.

(6/2004)

"After extended debate, members stated their support of the right of employees of Walker Methodist Health Center in Minneapolis to organize, and directed the bishop to offer assistance in mediating the conflict between Walker management and employees who wish to organize." -  Minnesota Annual Conference , The United Methodist Church - (6/2004)

(3/2004)

TELLING IT STRAIGHT: A member of Local 3532 (Council 14) testified last Monday at a Minnesota Senate Jobs and Energy committee hearing in favor of a bill that would prohibit the use of state funds to discourage union organizing. Tony Ogundiran, an LPN at Walker Methodist Health Center in Minneapolis, described management's anti-union intimidation campaign. Although workers at Walker Methodist voted last May to form a union with Council 14, management has continued to resist, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight the union — despite an NLRB ruling confirming the election. Also testifying for the bill was Eliot Seide, the Council's Executive Director. The "neutrality" legislation was approved and sent to the Senate floor.

(2/2004)

SPANISH VERSION: Public Employee - January/February 2004 - Los Trabajadores Demandan: 'Cumpla de Acuerdo con su Fe' - Por Jon Melegrito: Estimulados por su victoria electoral y sin dejarse atemorizar por la resistencia de la gerencia en reconocer su unión, trabajadores en Minnesota de una institución de cuidado de la salud a largo plazo afiliada a la Iglesia Metodista están resueltos a lograr un contrato justo.

Cuando empleados del Centro de Salud Metodista Walker votaron de una manera abrumadora el pasado mes de mayo en favor de formar una unión con el Concilio 14, ellos esperaban que la gerencia los reconociera rápidamente a fin de comenzar las negociaciones de un contrato. Después de todo, la segunda clínica de salud más grande del estado lleva el nombre de una fe que, de acuerdo con los Principios Sociales de la Iglesia Metodista Unida, urge a todos los empleadores a que "le permitan a sus empleados que libremente escojan si quieren ser miembros o no de una unión, sin intimidación, coerción" y "que respeten la decisión de sus empleados cuando una mayoría ha ... indicado su deseo de estar representados por una unión."

ENGLISH VERSION: Public Employee - January/February 2004 - Workers Demand: 'Live Up to Your Faith', By Jon Melegrito: Spurred by their election victory and undaunted by management's refusal to recognize their union, Minnesota workers at a Methodist-affiliated long-term care facility are determined to get a fair contract. FULL STORY

(1/2004)

DHS Initiates Audit of Walker Methodist - (1/2004): After meeting with AFSCME representatives, auditors at the Minnesota Department of Human Services have initiated an investigation of the Walker Methodist Health Center. The audit centers on Walker’s use of Medical Assistance payments from the state since July, 2002. The Legislature authorized a 3% increase in the MA rates at that time, but required that 2/3 of the increase had to go to wage and benefit increases initiated after July 1, 2002. AFSCME provided documentation to DHS showing that there had been no salary increases since before that date, even though Walker Methodist received the full 3% increase.

(12/2003)

No Busting Here! More than 400 Minneapolis labor and community activists rallied in late summer against union busting at the Walker Methodist nursing home. Prominent among the demonstrators were members of Council 14, led by Walker employees who belong to Local 3532. Management at the facility refuses to recognize an AFSCME union that some 300 workers voted solidly to form last May — even though the Minneapolis office of the National Labor Relations Board upheld the election results. Instead, management has targeted pro-union employees for discipline and discharge. Results of a second vote have been impounded pending resolution of another appeal. Meanwhile, the workers and their allies are keeping up the pressure.

Health Workers Fight to Unionize - by: Doug Mann - Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (12/11/2003): NLRB Curtails Walker Methodist's Union-busting Practices: In May 2003, employees at Walker Methodist Health Center voted 165 to 105 to be represented by a union, Council 14 of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). However, if the management gets its way, that vote won't count, and ballots cast by around 70 Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in a separate election on July 30, 2003, will never be counted.

Walker Methodist Health Center was originally an independent, nonprofit, long-term care facility. Other businesses were later added under the Walker Methodist umbrella, including two additional nursing homes, five senior housing projects, an assisted living facility, and two subsidized senior housing projects.

Walker Methodist Found Guilty of Unfair Labor Practices: Under pressure from the National Labor Relations Board, the management at Walker Methodist Health Center has been forced to rescind disciplinary measures taken against several workers.

The settlement also requires Walker to post a notice stating that employees have the right to form, join or assist a union, choose representatives to bargain for them, and act together with other employees for their benefit and protection.

Two members from Walker, Tony Ogundiran and Nickson Nyankabaria, traveled to Tampa in November to testify in front of the United Methodist Concern for Workers Task Force. The Task force has adopted a plan to help workers at Walker to get the union recognized and also secure a fair contract.

Union claims victory in health center battle

Union advocates are claiming a victory in the ongoing labor battle at Walker Methodist Health Center after management agreed last month to rescind its policy banning the distribution of union literature.

Labor activists were also encouraged by the recent statement from the United Methodist Church's Concern for Workers Task Force asking the South Minneapolis health facility to stop opposing union organizing efforts.

The November 24 settlement is “a de facto admission of guilt,” AFSCME spokesman Andrew English told Michael Metzger in the Southwest Journal. “Walker has claimed . . . they weren't coercing employees and they weren't violating the social principles [of the Methodist Church], but we think that by having to settle with the NLRB, they essentially admit that they were doing both.”

Walker CEO Lynn Starkovich disagrees. “Walker hasn't admitted any guilt. Walker entered into a settlement, which by its nature, is not an admission of guilt.”

Walker employees voted in May to join AFSCME, but management challenged the vote on the grounds that Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are supervisors and not allowed to organize. That issue remains in the hands of the National Labor Relations Board, which is not expected to rule on the matter until after President George W. Bush appoints a member to fill a vacant seat on the five-member board.

(11/2003)

AFSCME will be having several events in the coming weeks and months that we would like to encourage local unions to participate in.

November 11 - 8:30 a.m. We're leafleting outside Walker; there's a meeting of the Walker Methodist Auxiliary starting at 9:00. (yes, we realize it's a holiday)

November 12 - Lasagna party at Walker Community Church, 31st St. & 16th Ave., Mpls; 2 - 6 p.m.

December 10 - AFL-CIO International Human Rights Day event; Swedish Institute, 26th St. & Park Ave., Mpls; tentatively at 3 p.m.

December 11 -- Caroling for a Contract, outside Walker; 5 p.m.; please encourage other members to come over right after work.

(9/2003)

AFSCME Council 14 and AFSCME Local 3532  have successfully argued their case to the local office of the National Labor Relations Board. That decision has now been appealed by Walker to the National Board which has decided to hear the appeal rather than dismiss it. We don't know when that decision can  be expected. 

In the meantime, AFSCME Council 14 has continued activities on behalf of the workers. On August 22nd Council 14 staff and families, along with Walker workers demonstrated at the Minnesota Twins game. It was Methodist night at the Twins, and the Methodist Bishop threw out the first pitch.  Our demonstrators wore t-shirts with lettering that spelled out Justice for Walker Methodist Workers. 

More recently, AFSCME and Walker staff  had a small welcoming group with signs and leaflets outside a reception recognizing the appointment of Lynn Starkovich as the new President and CEO of Walker Methodist. She had been an "interim" President before and prior to that had been the Union busting Attorney who had fought a previous organizing campaign by another Union. 

AFSCME and Walker staff also had a "Community Hearing" on September 23rd. A panel including a businessman, clergyman, immigrant worker and legislator heard comments from workers, a minister and the Twin Cities Labor Religion Network.  Managers from Walker were invited, but chose not to participate. 

Additional action is planned to continue this struggle on behalf of the Walker Methodist workers who voted to organize with AFSCME Council 14.

Note: pictures taken by AFSCME Council 14

(8/2003)

Unions March For AFSCME Workers' Rights - Minneapolis (8/12/2003) - Hundreds of delegates to the Minnesota AFL-CIO convention joined Walker Methodist nursing home employees and supporters in a march for workers' rights Tuesday, August 12th.

Workers at Walker Methodist Health Center voted overwhelmingly on May 30th to be represented by AFSCME Council 14, but so far management has refused to recognize the union. Management is harassing, intimidating, and firing pro-union employees, while using delaying tactics at the National Labor Relations Board. "The Social Principles of the United Methodist Church clearly support the right of workers to freely choose to form a union," AFSCME said in a statement. "Yet the management at WMHC refuses to accept the vote of the workers. History: The Walker Methodist Health Center was built on the former site of the Bethany Home for unwed mothers, established by Harriet Walker and three other Minneapolis women in 1876. When Harriet Walker passed away, her family pledged funds for a new facility. In 1925 the new Bethany Home at 3701 Bryant Avenue was opened. Employees are regarded as members of "TEAM WALKER": The following is taken from the  Walker Methodist Health Center  website: "Our notable reputation is the reason every member of the Walker Team shares a unique spirit and sense of fulfillment. Each day brings a new set of challenges that are bound to bring out the best in you. Your skills will be honed to a fine edge and you will be supported, not only with the latest technology, but with teamwork and career development. At Walker, we've created a culture where individual expression is appreciated and valued. Our corporate values reflect the importance we place on respect for the individual, service through partnership, and responsibility." ALL THE WORKERS WANT IS RESPECT, DIGNITY AND RECOGNITION OF THEIR RIGHT TO ORGANIZE! THE WORKERS AT WALKER METHODIST NEED YOUR SUPPORT!!!

VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE MARCH

(7/2003)

'Witness for Workers Rights' July 16 at nursing home - July 13, 2003

MINNEAPOLIS — People of faith, union members, neighbors, and Walker Methodist residents will hold a “Witness for Workers Rights” Wednesday, July 16, at the Walker Methodist Health Center.

Participants will assemble at 2 p.m. at Lyndale Farm Park, 38th Street & Bryant Ave., in south Minneapolis, and then proceed to Walker Methodist Health Center.

(6/2003)

Walker Methodist Health Center employees vote for AFSCME - June 2, 2003

MINNEAPOLIS — Employees at the Walker Methodist Health Center have voted by 61 percent to 39 percent to organize a union with AFSCME Council 14. Workers said the campaign centered on issues of dignity and respect.

The 420-bed nursing home is located at 3737 Bryant Avenue S., Minneapolis. The National Labor Relations Board held an election Friday at the facility for a bargaining unit composed of 330 employees, including nurse aides, medical assistants, laundry workers, housekeepers, and maintenance workers. The vote was 165-105 for union representation.