To the editor:

Since April of 2011, our SEIU/Local 1199 Union Delegates have worked diligently to negotiate a contract with EJ Noble Hospital/KNH. From the start of negotiations, we knew that Chuck Canole, CEO, was unwilling to compromise. One of the first comments from his mouth was “there will be participation from your members.” Mr. Canole was referring to insurance/health coverage.

Mr. Canole and his constituent are proposing that our Union members, who are comprised of Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, Dietary, Maintenance, Clerical, and Radiology/Lab techs, pay a percentage of their health insurance. Mr. Canole and his team also expect our members to agree to no raise in 2011, a 1.5% raise in 2010, and a 2% raise in 2013. Mr. Canole cites a tough economy and financial strain of the facility as mediating factors for stalled negotiations.

The truth is our members came to the table ready to negotiate. Mr. Canole was presented with 2 health insurance plans, of which he refused to look at. Our members were even willing to forgo raises, if he kept insurance plans as is. Let’s be frank, we are the lowest paid healthcare workers in the surrounding areas. A vast percentage of our members are single mothers. We cannot afford to pay the fees Mr. Canole proposes. Yet, Mr. Canole has not made the Registered Nurses or Administration participate in their health insurance. In fact, the RNs were awarded a 5% pay raise for 3 subsequent years; while administration was recently given between a 3 to 4% pay raise. Our members of SEIU even proposed a clause to reopen contract negotiations when the RNs employed at E.J. Noble / KNH began participating in their health insurance coverage. Mr. Canole denied this proposal.

Our members diligently support local businesses, while Mr. Canole and several board members choose to spend their money elsewhere. The members of the Board, who include Dentists, Lawyers, Vets, and Bank Presidents, need to be cognizant that it is our members who solicit their services and expertise. It is our members that your appointed CEO is denying a contract, and fair wages. It is our members who seem to be underappreciated and undervalued by Mr. Canole, his associates, and the Board at large.

America was founded on the promise of dreams. Yet, do aspirations really matter? It seems you only get by if you are a hospital CEO, a dentist, a lawyer, or a vet who uses power and authority to demean and devalue a dedicated group of employees. Educators and parents, please stop teaching our children that they can be whatever they want to be, in reality it could not be farther from the truth. In today’s society there is no place for mediocrity. In order to be successful, one must be a doctor, a lawyer, or perhaps an Indian Chief.

Members of SEIU, Local 11199, EJ Noble Hospital, KNH Union