Local 2452 - Fact vs. Fiction
Management has been saying a lot recently about our activity. Why? Because they know that our facility, like any facility, only runs if the frontline staff make it run. Predictably, Ignite is trying to mislead and confuse us because their primary interest is in making a profit. And wage increases and staffing levels cut into their profits. Here are a few items that may have raised questions in recent weeks.
Management seems concerned about us doing our strike vote near the front entrance. Why?
Because they are afraid of us! We absolutely have the right to conduct the vote near the entrance – it’s public property. Our plan is not make noise or have signs, but to make it convenient for everyone to vote! Join us!
Management says this is just about one CNA, otherwise they would sign.
Your local 2452 leaders negotiated a complete agreement with Ignite last summer, and we ratified it unanimously. Only after the fact did the highly-paid corporate managers decide they don’t want to maintain our ratios, which have been agreed upon since 2022. Ask yourself this question: who does it benefit to cut the staffing ratios, the residents and staff, or the greedy corporate managers?
We have been united throughout this process because we know that if we let management get away with changing whatever they decide they don’t like, everything we have gained could be lost.
Management says they will pay us our wage increases when the contract is signed.
To be clear, management can pay us our 2024 retro money, and our 2025 wage increases, any time they want. They are choosing to pocket our money.
What is a strike authorization vote?
A strike authorization vote is simply a vote to authorize the bargaining committee to call for a strike at a time they decide it’s our only option. We plan to continue to press management to do the right thing, but make no mistake: we are in this position because management is more concerned about profits than they are their staff.
Will I be paid if I go on strike?
AFSCME will provide strike benefits of $250 per week. We will also provide information on opportunities to do agency work in the area. Additionally, local labor and community supporters will provide support to striking Thrive members.
What about health insurance?
If we do strike, management will likely choose not to provide health insurance. We strongly recommend members take care of any planned medical procedures now, as well as stocking up on medications.
Ideally, management will decide to value their staff and we won’t go on strike. But if we do, the stronger we are, the more likely the strike will end quickly.