Butler Hospital and SEIU 1199 NE reconvened for contract negotiations, facilitated by federal mediators. The hospital has put forward a comprehensive proposal that addresses items that we know to be priorities for Butler workers, such as wages, benefits, and retirement. We want to acknowledge that, as communicated previously, these proposals are less than what was offered in the Last, Best, and Final proposal on May 7th.
The complete proposal documents can be viewed here.
Wages
Across-the-board wage increases:
- Increased Minimum: Our new proposal maintains the previously proposed starting wage for all employees up from $17 to at least $18.03 per hour and bumps up all steps and off-scale wages in those positions proportionately.
- Preceptor Differential: Differential payment for preceptors will be maintained from previous proposal which increased from $2 per hour to $3 per hour.
- Market adjustments for Several Positions: Previously proposed market adjustments maintained, with these positions seeing a sizable market increase four weeks after ratification with this proposal: CIS Clerk, Sr. CIS Clerk, Mental Health Worker, Pharmacy Tech, Housekeeping Aide, Central Supply Clerk, Receiving Clerk, Audio Visual Technician, Nutrition Associate, Barista, Meals Concierge, Cook.
Health and Dental Plans
- BlueSolutions HSA Medical Plan: The Hospital has proposed phasing out employer contributions to the HSA deductible over the life of the contract. While this is a reduction from the last, best, and final proposal, the Hospital has proposed to maintain a $0 paycheck premium for this plan:
Education and Training
- Butler would agree to contribute to the SEIU 1199 NE training fund to support the career development and advancement of employees.
Retirement
- Butler will continue to provide the Tax-Sheltered Annuity (TSA) benefits as is for 2025 and 2026. Contributions will be reduced in 2027 and phased out starting in 2028.
These changes are in addition to key items put forward in previous proposals, which include:
- A four-year contract that provides the security of predictable wage growth and benefit costs in uncertain economic and political times.
- Formation of a Workplace Violence task force that would report to the Health & Safety Committee and work to identify systemic and department-level opportunities for safety improvements. This task force would supplement the work of the current Health & Safety Committee.
- Lower paycheck deductions for the Network Blue New England medical plan – over 70% less for full-time employees and over 50% less for part-time employees. This plan has a very low deductible and will greatly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
We encourage you to reach out to union delegates and tell them that the time is now to do what is best for Butler employees and patients and put this offer to a vote.
