To UMass Memorial members
Congratulations on ratifying your new two-year contract!

June 2, 2010 9:30 PM from Doug Belanger:

Months of contentious and difficult bargaining sessions between your Local 1445 negotiating committee and hospital management have finally yielded an agreement that goes far toward recognizing your dedication to quality patient care and to upholding the very highest levels of professionalism. The success of UMass Memorial Hospital rests firmly upon your shoulders but it took - literally - hours and hours of hardwork by your fellow union committee members to wring out the improvements due you. It is also a testament to the courage and intelligence of so many of our members that any and all attempts to undermine your solidarity and unity of purpose failed abysmally.

This is a brief synopsis of important contract details, changes, and improvements, copies of which were handed out at the three contract ratification meetings open to active Local 1445 members working at UMass Memorial. The changes were discussed at length by business agent Doug Belanger and servicing director Jim Ronayne, and attendees were given the chance to raise points and ask questions before the final vote. The most important items to note are that there are NO concessions, healthcare levels and benefits remain the same, and ALL members will see a MINIMUM of 5% wage increases over the next 12 months.

The contract was voted on and approved by an overwhelming majority of the members, and you can feel confident with its ratification that even in these uncertain economic times your future financial security and respectful treatment on-the-job are guaranteed. Now you can return to the important business of patient care!

If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to call Doug Belanger at (508)726-7911.