We have created this website to provide information on union representation and what that could mean for you and our employees. We know you understand the serious nature of this decision and hope you will use this website as a resource to gather information.
We recognize that various employee groups around the country, including right here in Rochester, have looked at union representation as a way to possibly have a greater say in their workplace. However, we hope you see that you have tremendous input today, through our Staff Council and other forums, on issues that impact our culture, work environment, professional development and patient care.
Myself and our entire leadership team are here to support you and provide you with the information you will need to make an informed decision. So, ask questions, collect the facts, learn about your options and their potential impact, and always understand documents that you sign.
Thank you for all that you do for UR Medicine Home Care, our patients and our community.
Nick Walters, MS, BSN, RN
Vice President, Clinical Operations
Important Election Details
-
The vote will take place by mail ballot.
-
The NLRB will mail a ballot to the home address of each eligible employee in the appropriate collective bargaining unit (outlined in the unit description section of this letter here) on February 23, 2024. (We will provide information about how to complete and return the ballot before the NLRB mails the ballots to you.)
-
Those employees who believe that they are eligible to vote and did not receive a ballot in the mail by March 1, 2024, should communicate immediately with the National Labor Relations Board by either calling the Region 03 Office at (716)551-4931 or their national toll-free line at 1-844- 762-NLRB (1-844- 762-6572).
-
The NLRB will officially count the ballots on March 18, 2024 beginning at 3PM.
-
To be counted, your ballot must be received at the NLRB’s office prior to the counting of the ballots. To ensure your ballot is received in time to be counted, we encourage you to mail your ballot no later than Thursday, March 14th.
Know The Facts
Our Philosophy
Consistent with our values, we respect the rights and opinions of all our employees and believe it is up to you to decide whether or not to allow a union to represent and speak for you. It is your decision.
While the decision about allowing a union to represent you is yours, we believe that the current relationship with our employees works best. We truly are a stronger organization when UR Medicine Home Care and its employees work together directly on issues that impact you, our culture, work environment, professional development, and patient care.
Specifically:
- We value open communication and encourage you to ask questions and provide input directly to leadership.
- We believe in your right to speak directly about issues that are important to you, and we appreciate hearing your unique voice and working together to find solutions.
- We believe that each employee has a voice on issues important to everyone. It is our commitment to make sure your voice is heard.
Know Your Rights
We believe that in deciding whether to allow a union to represent and speak for you that you should be informed fully about your rights.
UR Medicine Home Care will always follow federal labor laws and be guided by our own high standards and values. These laws provide each employee with the same rights to campaign “for” or “against” unionization. We uphold these rights and respect the views of all employees. Each of you has the right to:
- Join or refrain from joining a union.
- Solicit or distribute information “for” or “against” union representation, as long as you are not on work time and are not in work areas.
- Connect with fellow employees to better understand everyone’s views about the advantages or disadvantages of union representation at UR Medicine Home Care.
- Attend meetings or gatherings, discuss, and ask questions about the pros and cons of union representation.
FAQs
What does signing a union authorization card mean?
A union authorization card is a legally binding document, and by signing it you are designating the union to represent you for purposes of collective bargaining concerning the terms and conditions of your employment. A union card is not a request for more information or to be added or removed from the union’s mailing list. Sign-in sheets, attendance records at union information meetings, requests for more union information and other paper documents and emails could also be considered legal documents and count toward calling for an election, depending on what they state. So it’s important to read carefully and understand any document before signing it. If you’re not sure what a document means, ASK.
If I already submitted an authorization card, can I take it back?
Under federal law, a union has no legal obligation to return a signed authorization card. However, you can ask the union directly to return your card or send the union a letter or email asking that the union return it.
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 (meal and break periods are not 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.
Would I have to pay the union if the union represents me?
Most unions require all members to pay dues (or similar payments called agency fees) through what is called a “union security clause.” You can inquire with the union on how fees are used.
Can you share examples of improvements made based on feedback from employees?
- Reduced mileage threshold from 75 to 50 miles driven
- Increased mileage reimbursement to IRS recommended rate
- Communication Improvements
- Coordinated monthly CHHA meetings
- Improved/updated Intranet information
- Metrics dashboard for transparency to be introduced at Town Hall in February
- Kicked off initiative to improve scheduling and intake process
- eRecord/Epic
- Pulled together cross functional group, including field clinicians, to work on Care Plan optimization to aid in documentation efficiency and decrease time spent on documentation
- Added dedicated PT on weekends
- Added a paid Holiday (day after Thanksgiving)