Austin Medical Center-Mayo Health System clinic nurses have approved their first contract with their employer.

Friday, March 31, 2000

Austin Medical Center-Mayo Health System clinic nurses have approved their first contract with their employer.

Members of the Paper, Allied Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers International Local 7-578 approved the contract Wednesday evening.

According to Larry Kelly, business agent for the PACE bargaining unit, "It passed by a very comfortable margin."

It is the first contract for the clinic bargaining unit, which claims 70 members and includes registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, medical assistants and wing assistants.

The local union organized last September and embraces workers at the Austin clinic as well as regional clinics at Blooming Prairie, Adams, Grand Meadow and LeRoy.

According to Kelly, the agreement is for 39 months and includes a guaranteed wage increase each year, paid time off, leave of absence, funeral leave, seniority, pension and health and life insurance benefits.

In addition, there is a grievance and arbitration procedure spelled out in the pact, plus language concerning both parties’ rights and obligations for future contract negotiations.

The employer and bargaining unit met nine times, but it was not until a recent 17-hour marathon session and the involvement of two federal mediators that an agreement was reached.

"The union negotiating committee and the employer’s negotiating committee acted appropriately and it was a very courteous and professional negotiation," Kelly said of the settlement.

"It’s a very good place to work," Kelly said. "They are very professional employees, all of the members.

"Now that negotiations are concluded, the employees will continue to provide the excellent quality of care that Austin Medical Center is known for."

Tami Oldfather, spokeswoman for the medical center, said the center was pleased to have a contract ratified.

"We’re happy that the contract passed," Oldfather said. "Everyone worked very hard to get a contract settled that is fair, and meets the needs of our employees.

"As always, our foremost goal is to provide the highest quality care for our patients and to provide our employees with the resources and environment they need in order to provide that care."