Negotiations Recap for May 8, 2013
This recap details the first session for the renewal of the collective bargaining agreement between UWMC and WSNA.
Ground Rules
The parties agreed to a set of ground rules to govern the negotiations sessions during this round of collective bargaining.
WSNA Initial Proposal
WSNA put forth its initial proposal package, which included language affecting premiums as well as hours of work and overtime.
Compensation
WSNA also put forth its initial wage proposal. WSNA proposed a 2 percent across the board wage increase for 2013 and a 3 percent increase for 2014. Additionally, WSNA proposed changes to steps on the wage scale, including 2-3 percent increases to all steps on the wage scale and increases between steps that currently pay the same wage.
UWMC Financial Presentation
UW Medicine Chief Financial Officer Paul Ishizuka delivered a presentation outlining the current health care environment, detailing the financial situations of UWMC and UW Medicine as a whole. Mr. Ishizuka spoke to the impacts of enduring state and national economic struggles as well implications of the Affordable Care Act, which altogether result in flat or declining utilization, an eroding payer mix, and declining reimbursements.
Paul explained that while UWMC was profitable in fiscal year 2012, it is currently $20 million off budget for fiscal year 2013, contributing to an overall $50 million gap for UW Medicine on the whole.
Next Steps
The next UWMC/WSNA bargaining session is scheduled for May 15.