On May 19, Northampton County Council voted overwhelmingly (8-1, with John Brown opposed) in favor of a $2,500 per year bonus for Gracedale workers over the next four years. The only exceptions were the Administrator, Nursing Director and her top deputy. Council member had suggested limiting bonuses to those who work directly with residents, but was swayed by Executive Lamont McClure's argument that it was "absolutely critical" that everyone receive it. But "everyone" apparently fails to include Gracedale's 14 or so per diem workers. These are part-time workers called upon to work at least six days per month (and usually more) at the nursing home.
One of these per diem workers (her name is Kelly) informed County Council last week that the recent contract changes failed to give the $2,500 bonus to per diem workers. She emailed her union boss, and heard nothing. She emailed the administration, and heard nothing. She indicated the bonus being paid is wonderful and deserved, but added most of the per diem workers are long-time employees (Kelly has been there for 23 years) who are worthy as well. In fact, recent contract changes that force them to work six instead of four days per month is an indication they are needed.
One AFSCME rep told Kelly that it was McClure who decided against bonuses for per diem. But a Gracedale administrator told her that the union was against giving the bonus to per diem workers, even though they are union workers, too.
Kelly left right after speaking because she was working that night.
Council member noted that nothing excluded per diem workers in their resolution approving bonuses But they were being asked that night to approve these contract changes. McClure told Council that he was unable to guarantee that union members would approve the contract changes if the entire package was rejected.
He failed to expressly state whether he had on his own removed the "absolutely critical" bonus from per diem workers. He did note that he did not participate in the actual negotiations but was kept up to date on them.
He assured Council that "side agreements" with unions are often made. No one asked him to pursue such a side agreement, but it was crystal clear that this is what Council wanted him to do.
Hopefully, this problem is rectified immediately. It should never have existed.
28 comments:
He does what he wants, when he wants. Probably some personal grudge, he can be like that. Council is afraid of him. What do you expect.
So a person who works 6 days a month or say 50 hrs a month or 600 hrs a year gets a $4.25 an hour raise vs much less for a full time employee.
The full time employee will be upset that the per diem folks get around 4 times the reward that they do.
If they work at Gracedale they should get the bonus yet the full time folks will be pissy about it.
Wow ! When will all of the spending stop ? McClure has poured millions into Gracedale.
Once again here we go....if a member of gracedale union goes in front of council they have all these things to say and comment on. But if the sheriff's or COs go in front of council you have these council members up there bubbling around saying how its against county policy to talk about anything that could be in the CBA .
You have Heckman and Lott mumbling saying can't talk cant talk. I understand they want to look like they care about the residents. But it's not about them its about the employees of gracedale. As it's the employees of the whole county that treated like crap. But only worry about politics
Didn’t Kelly say as a per diem worker she gets paid a higher hourly rate than everybody else ?
Cusick said it was the richest contract ever handed out.
Six days per month shouldn't earn anyone the same bonuses as full-time employees. Based upon a per hour calculation, that bonus is a large bump for per diem workers vs full-time regulars.
6days/20days for full time = .3 x $2,500 = $750. Per diems should receive $750, if anything at all. That's fair. Working just 6 days per month vs a national average of 20 days for full timers, per diem employees have lots of time to pursue other income vs their full time counterparts. I suspect they knew this when they accepted the terms of their per diem employment. $750 is fair.
"So a person who works 6 days a month or say 50 hrs a month or 600 hrs a year gets a $4.25 an hour raise vs much less for a full time employee.
The full time employee will be upset that the per diem folks get around 4 times the reward that they do.
If they work at Gracedale they should get the bonus yet the full time folks will be pissy about it."
I would invite anyone to watch the meeting video. Kelly makes very clear that some of the per diems work far more than 6 days per month. They are paid a higher rate, but do not get shift differential. McClure stated it was "absolutely critical" that EVERYONE get it. His words, not mine. The resolution passed by Council said everyone (except the top three administrators get it. So you cannot decide at the bargaining table to ignore your own Council resolutions. I'd agree that the bonus should be in proportion to the amount of days worker, but there should be a bonus.
County Council can not negotiate contracts with unions they can only approve them because it requires them to spend the money for them
". But if the sheriff's or COs go in front of council you have these council members up there bubbling around saying how its against county policy to talk about anything that could be in the CBA ."
I realize you think you're special, but Council members are just as reluctant to discuss the terms of collective bargaining unit agreements with Gracedale's union as they are with you. Watch the video and you will see the same reticence.
"Cusick said it was the richest contract ever handed out."
I would have voted No. It does not even come close to catching up with inflation and continues the pay disparity that exists. Nobody who works there should get less than $15 per hour. Council members cannot honestly run for office demanding $15 per hour in the private sector while refusing to pay it in the public sector. It is hypocritical.
What a disgrace ! These employees get paid more than everyone else. They work 4 days a month and they get to pick when they work. They get to stay in the pension system continuing to rack up time in one of the last true pension plans left. They are definitely being mistreated.
If the go PT, I bet they get the bonus.
God Bless Lamont !
It’s clear Gracedale doesn’t want anymore per diem. They went from 4 days to 6 in the contract. They are not eligible for the bonus.
McClure definitely should begin working on a side agreement. I wonder what the Union will give up to get the extra money ?
Bernie I just watched. Looks like the dynamic duo of Lil’ Fredo and HRH almost cost hundreds of employees thousands of dollars.
What a disgrace ! These employees get paid more than everyone else. They work 4 days a month and they get to pick when they work. They get to stay in the pension system continuing to rack up time in one of the last true pension plans left. They are definitely being mistreated.
I am afraid if the promise was for all and that's what was voted on them that's what should happen. But I agree that even if they pick up shifts they are well compensated and chose to be per diem and make their own schedules. Usually per diem staff do not enjoy the same extras as full and part time staff. This bonus should have been proposed based on hours worked as many full time staff who do not need healthcare may switch to per diem which is good for them but not as good for staffing. Commitment of full time staff should be considered. However in these extraordinary times a bonus prorated for all would be appropriate and appreciated
Per Diem get paid a higher rate. Also should have an agreement/separate contract. It's a good deal in nursing if you don't need benefits.
"McClure definitely should begin working on a side agreement. I wonder what the Union will give up to get the extra money" The union should not have to give up anything. Gracedale has a manpower shortage, and bonuses are supposed to make it more attractive for new hires AND to retain existing staff. It defeats the purpose of these bonuses to deny them to a segment of the staff that provide a valuable service. I'd agree with a reader who suggested that the bonus should be commensurate with the days worked, but they should get something.
McClueless needs to get rid of the people that think they are running Gracedale. Well they are running it --- into the ground! He ran on taking care of Gracedale. Look what he has done to it.
I think the bigger issue worth considering regardless of whether or not per diem workers should or should not get the money is that Mcclure and the administrator talked about how necessary it was "all employees" get this money- not only did they not all get it as per diem was excluded but people I know who are part time didn't and won't get the full $2,500. I understand that they felt it should be changed to suit hours but it's not what they said at council, it's not what they led employees to believe. At the end of the day they were dishonest in their presentation and words and when more people leave that place there will be no one to blame but themselves. Saying from the start that based on hours worked employees will get a portion of the $2,500 would have been honest and fair but it's not what they said to council and it's not what they led their workers to believe. No one likes a liar. So while it was great that they gave money to employees it still comes across as dishonest which makes people feel they can't trust those they work for. So sad.
It stated in the Newspaper and by Council, that ALL current employees would receive a LUMP SUM of $2,500. A year. No Stipulations, No Breakdowns, A LUMP SUM to ALL CURRENT EMPLOYEES …The first payment happen today and Unfortunately, Gracedale will lose many more employees, just over not following through and employee’s feeling lied to. EVERY EMPLOYEE should have gotten a check today of $2500….instead….some got $2500….some employees have been employed over 10 years got $1000 if your Anniversary date didn’t pass???Part timers are being “pro-rated” on the hours they worked, “new” employees that were here when it was voted are getting half now and half next year ( which doesn’t equal $10,000 in 4 years) Why promise a lump sum and publish it if there is no follow through? The only answer Human Resource can give is to check where you fall on a spread sheet….that’s how much the employees apparently mean….it’s a shame, because I do believe Council had good intentions….good thing they budgeted for agency, because something that was supposed to help with retention, has had the reverse effect….so sad.
Many places in the county have a manpower shortage but McClure only cares about Gracedale it seems.
This is greatly funny. The point of the bonus is to get people to work more. (40+ hrs) so you want to give it to the people who already make more to work less. The appeal of the bonus is then gone.
My pension was stopped as soon as I went per diem. The only part-time nursing positions require up to 9 days a pay. Full-time is 10. That's not part -time and doesn't appeal to those looking for part- time or flexibility such as myself who chose to go per diem in order to have availability to start school in the fall. The starting rate at the Dale for a CNA is a approx. $15. Do you think that wage is suffice to do such a job and be faced with Covid exposure on the daily. The Dale's wages are a joke as much as your ignorant comment.
They did the same thing to the clerical staff at the jail for hazard pay. Clerical staff were deemed “less of a risk” to covid exposure. I’d like to know how considering they touch every paper that goes through alllllll the hands in that place. Pathetic. Northampton county is a wreck and a sham.
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