Public Employee Press

HHC labor-management committees preparing for Obamacare and coming health-care policies

Joint labor-management committees at 11 Health and Hospitals Corp. facilities are moving ahead with an activist agenda that keeps pace with Obamacare and new policies affecting public health care.

"Cuts to staffing and funding at hospitals and clinics present many challenges and opportunities for labor and management to work together to advocate for adequate funding to meet HHC's mission of providing quality care to all, regardless of ability to pay," said DC 37 Field Operations Director Barbara Edmonds.

The committees develop programs for unionized HHC staff in DC 37 Locals 371, 420, 768, 924, 1549 and other unions, who get together in a labor caucus to select their representatives for the joint committees. DC 37 aims to have such labor-management programs at all HHC hospitals by late 2014, Edmonds said.

Through town hall meetings, walking tours and meetings with executives, the committees can hear employees' ideas and concerns about issues such as staffing shortages, privatization, funding cuts and the use of temporary workers.

Local 768 member Nate Franco, who leads Harlem Hospital's Labor Caucus, introduced the goal of educating employees about how labor and management can work together to achieve the goals of the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare.

Edmonds said the committees will monitor recent developments in medical care to create opportunities for training, education, promotions and upgrading for members.

"We also need a comprehensive plan for cultural competency training for managers, supervisors and all employees to ensure respect and dignity in the workplace," said DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts.

For more information about the HHC Joint Labor Management Program and the advocacy arm called the Healthcare Education Activist Team or HEAT, contact your local leaders or union rep or go to www.dc37.net.