COVID-19 MOU update
Posted Apr 22, 2020
We have come to agreement with WhidbeyHealth management on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding all RN employees during this time of COVID-19.
Below is a summary of highlights in the MOU:
Safety commitments and protections for nurses:
- Nurses who miss work due to a “probable” exposure at the workplace (e.g. more likely than not that the exposure happened at work) will receive paid admin leave.
- Nurses are entitled to reasonable accommodations if part of an at-risk group
- If an at-risk nurse takes an unpaid leave, health insurance benefits will be maintained.
- Priority for testing nurses
- Written notice to nurses who have been exposed
- Reduction of frequency of in-person home health and hospice visits to reduce exposure
Job & hours protection:
- Employees can be redeployed instead of being laid off, keeping their regular schedule and hours
- Furloughs granted to volunteers based on seniority
- Employees who lost more hours than allowed by the CBA will receive back pay or have their PTO restored
Protections on floating:
- Minimum training and orientation requirements spelled out
- Can only be floated on regularly scheduled day and shift except in emergencies
If you have any questions regarding this information, please let us know.
In Solidarity,
Your Local Unit Officers
Gwen Parrick, BSN, RN; Chair rsgsparr@whidbey.com
Jeremy Aaron, BSN, RN; Grievance Officer jaaron575@gmail.com
Luka MacKay, BSN, RN; Secretary/Treasurer lukamackay@gmail.com
Or, Terri Williams, MS, RN, Nurse Rep twilliams@wsna.org