St. Louis University Hospital Workers Win New Three-Year Contract

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IMG_3106After a 4 month contract battle with SSM Health, members wrapped up an intense fight presenting coworkers with a strong second contract. SLUH employees made it a priority to both raise the floor and raise the ceiling for wages at SLUH, with Fight for 15 rallying cry.

Although we had hoped as a local, not-for-profit, mission-driven organization, SSM Health would be a better bargaining partner, we soon realized it was only interested in nickel and dime offers.

Members fought back and showed unity with sticker actions, petitions, marching on managers, and a huge rally drawing media attention.  Our action forced SSM back to the table to negotiate with us fairly.

While there’s still work to do to win 100% of what we want, we won great progress on many of our priorities.

Here are some highlights of what we won:

  • 2.5% across-the-board raises every April through 2018
  • Additional 1% raises to close the pay gap for employees–particularly technologists–with 10+ years of service, effective Jan. 1, 2017
  • Increase to minimum starting rates for 18 job titles effective Jan. 1, 2017
  • Increase to 403(b) matching
  • Protected & guaranteed tuition remission to St. Louis University
  • Improved protections around call-offs & flexing
  • “Quiet Rooms” for new & expectant mothers at all SLUH locations
  • Created stronger Labor Management Committees that can now address issues outside the contract like staffing, scheduling, & safety
  • Limit timeline to implement discipline & reduction in how long it remains on record
  • Stronger grievance procedure to ensure our rights on the job are protected