Your Rights
Am I allowed to voice my opinion on unionization?
Yes. You have the legal right to speak and organize for or against union representation. Federal law protects your right to talk to your fellow employees during non-work time about your views, organize with fellow employees to make your collective views known, distribute information and attend meetings or gatherings to discuss the pros or cons of union representation.
Am I required to speak to union organizers?
No. There is no law or policy that requires you to speak with union representatives and you are free to respond accordingly.
Can union representatives speak to me on Highland Hospital property?
You may encounter union representatives on Highland Hospital property that is open to visitors. Union organizers, like any representative of an outside organization, are not allowed to be in any area that is normally restricted. They must abide by our policies that are intended to maintain order and safety in the workplace, and they may not interrupt you during working time.
Can I distribute literature or handouts during working time?
While we respect your desire to share information with your colleagues, you must follow our Solicitation and Distribution Policy (#342 found on Policy Stat on the intranet). Distributing information “for” or “against” union representation on your work time and/or in immediate patient care areas and/or in work areas is not permitted.
Union Authorization Cards & The Election
If I previously signed an authorization card, do I have to vote for the union?
No. Signing a card does not mean you have to vote for the union. The election on August 19th will be a secret ballot election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board. Only you will know how you vote.
Cost of Being in a Union
Would I have to pay the union if the union represents me?
Most unions require all members to pay an initiation fee and dues (or similar payments called agency fees) in order to remain employed through what is called a “union security clause.” You can inquire with the union on how fees are used.
What will the union cost me?
Each union’s Constitution and By-laws determine the initiation fee, how dues are calculated, how they can be changed and what procedures must be used to change the dues amount. Dues are often automatically deducted from your paycheck.
Joining a Union
Is Highland Hospital against union organizing?
We support your rights under federal labor law and are committed to free and fair union elections – believing that you also have the right to be fully informed and make the decision that is best for you and your family. Our statement that we prefer a direct relationship with our employees reflects our belief that we are stronger when we can work together with you and have your voice heard.
We know there’s always more work to be done, and no workplace is perfect, and we encourage direct communication and feedback.
What if the Union were to win the election but staff change their mind after the fact and no longer wish to have the Union represent them?
The only way a bargaining unit can formally remove a Union after it has been voted in is to file a petition to request a decertification election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). This lengthy and detailed decertification process is not legally permitted until one year has passed after the election votes are certified, assuming there is no contract in place at that time. At least 30% of the unit must sign a petition or other document to get a decertification election and management cannot assist in the filing of the petition in any way.
If we unionize, will we be automatically included in the existing URPOSA contract with the University of Rochester?
No. Highland Hospital is a separate employer and Highland’s employees would be in a separate bargaining unit. If voted in, a new contract would need to be negotiated directly between the union and Highland Hospital. Neither Highland nor URPSOA knows what the final outcome of collective bargaining will look like, and there is no guarantee the new contract will be the same as the contract that covers employees at the University of Rochester.
If a union is voted in do I need to join?
This would be subject to the outcome of a final contract. In most cases you would need to join the union and pay an initiation fee and dues within a specified timeframe. Many times, if you are allowed to not join the union then you may still be required to pay fees associated with bargaining.
Pay, Benefits, Job Security, Flexibility
Will I make more money if I’m represented by a union?
You could receive the same, more or less. In a unionized environment, changes to compensation and benefits must be collectively bargained by the union and the employer.
No union can guarantee higher pay, because all terms and conditions of employment are subject to collective bargaining.
When a union represents you, all wages and benefits are negotiable. The union cannot guarantee what Highland Hospital will agree to in advance of negotiations.
Will I get better benefits if I’m represented by a union?
Just as with pay, a union cannot provide any guarantees as to new or expanded benefits, as these all must be bargained and agreed to by Highland during negotiations. You could receive the same, more or less as a result of collective bargaining.
I’ve heard the union can guarantee job security. Is that true?
No. As with pay and benefits, all terms and conditions of employment, including layoff policies and procedures would be subject to collective bargaining. Neither Highland, nor the union, knows what the final outcome of collective bargaining will look like.
If the union is elected, could I lose schedule flexibility?
Your schedule could remain the same or be changed, we can’t say for sure what end result will come out of collective bargaining. Unions often negotiate “a one-size-fits-all approach” for work schedules that can then be applied to all the represented employees. This could change how your work schedules currently are determined and the flexibility that you currently enjoy.
Don’t we need a union now that we are being granted Peace Officer Status?
Being a peace officer does not mean you have to be union represented. You have the same right to decide whether or not you want to support a union regardless of whether you are a peace officer or a non-peace officer.
If I join a union, will that guarantee me more protection when we become peace officers who are armed?
Just as with pay, benefits and job security, a union cannot provide any guarantees as to new job protections because this issue must be bargained by Highland and the union during the collective bargaining process. You could receive the same, more or less as a result of collective bargaining. We can’t say for sure what end result will come out of collective bargaining
Respected Voice
In addition to our Staff Meetings and Huddles, what other ways have our public safety officers been able to express opinions and concerns about work?
- One on One meetings with your supervisor
- Town Hall meetings
- Open door policy with any member of management and leadership
- Employee Engagement Surveys
Can you share examples of prior improvements made based on feedback from employees?
Highland has a good track record of listening to our employees’ concerns and implementing changes to make your job and work life better. We have made significant strides, both based on your recommendations as well as an overall review of the organizational needs. Recent examples of your feedback at work:
- Security Operations Center designed with your input that is pending completion.
- New jackets have been purchased and distributed.
- Batons, which was a suggestion from staff, were ordered for the team.
- Omnigo software and CAD system, with tracking abilities to help with property, keys, trespassers, as well as writing reports and parking tickets, and mobile app capabilities for parking tickets as well as reporting, has been purchased and is pending implementation.
- New property custody bags and evidence bags have been purchased. As previously discussed, there will be a new evidence room in the completed new space which will lead to an improved process and flow.
- Staffing to meet the needs of the growing demands of the hospital as well as safety and accountability for our team.
- Defensive training tactics training was conducted.
- The parking policy continues to be enforced including ticketing, booting, towing and suspension from the parking program as appropriate.
- Several market-based pay increases have been distributed over the last several years.
- A new equipped vehicle was delivered.
- Peace Officer status has made it to the NYS Senate for approval.
I heard we are not a priority for a new space because we are not revenue generating. Is that true?
As Highland Hospital grows, how we best utilize our space becomes more and more critical. It takes a well thought out and creative plan to meet the operational needs of the Hospital in our common goal of delivering excellence in patient care. Revenue generation, or the lack of revenue generation, has not been a determining factor in these decisions.
Strikes
If the union were to go on strike, could I continue to work and not be penalized by the union?
It would be your choice whether to participate in a strike. However, if you are a member of a union, you are subject to Union by-laws which may allow for penalties against employees for not striking. We suggest you research this issue to make sure you understand the answer before you vote.
Would I be required to participate in a sympathy strike if the University of Rochester officers were to go on strike?
Again, while it is typically an employee’s choice whether to participate in a strike, we cannot say for certain what specific strike rules apply to URPSOA members. However, if you are a member of a union, you are subject to union by-laws which may allow for penalties against employees for not striking in certain situations. We suggest you research this issue to understand all the facts before you vote.