As the deadline for reaching an agreement and avoiding a strike gets closer, we want to address some important facts and clear up any confusion about the most recent proposals put forward by both sides.
Fiction: The union’s proposals would promote equity across bargaining units.
Fact: The union’s wage proposals give the largest increases to workers in the highest paid positions. For example, the wage increases the union has proposed for nurses would be 20% higher than those they’re proposing for EVS and other lower wage workers, furthering the divide between these positions. The hospital’s wage proposal improved equity across the union by ensuring the largest increases would go to those in lower-paid roles, bringing much-needed relief to positions who need it most:
- CIS Clerks
- Sr. CIS Clerks
- Mental Health Workers
- Pharmacy Techs
- Housekeeping Aides
- Central Supply Clerks
- Receiving Clerks
- Audio Visual Technicians
- Nutrition Associates
Fiction: Freezing future entrants to the pension will place my retirement at risk.
Fact: Butler’s pension funding model is not dependent on future employee contributions, and freezing future entrants to the pension will have no impact to the value or security of current participants’ benefits. The pension plan is currently 90% funded, which is considered a healthy and stable status by industry standards. This strong funding means the plan is well-positioned to meet its obligations to current participants and retirees. In fact, unlike older pension models and pensions at other organizations, freezing new entrants enhances long-term funding by limiting future liabilities and keeping current obligations stable.
Fiction: Butler is refusing to contribute to the training and education of Butler employees.
Fact: Butler’s proposal included contributions to New England Health Care Employees Training Fund for the duration of the contract, supporting valuable opportunities for union members to enhance their skills and advance their careers.
The full text of all Butler proposals is available on the Proposal Updates webpage, so we’re not sure why the union is providing misleading and inaccurate information on this topic.
