SRS APPs: Bargaining Update #17: April 22, 2025

We can be proud that we’ve now reached 36 tentative agreements toward our first contract.

In this week’s negotiations, we discussed some of management’s counter-proposals and their new proposal around wage and hour disputes.

We’re working hard on developing a comprehensive compensation proposal, which we plan on presenting soon.

The key to achieving a strong first contract is our ability to remain united. Solidarity is our greatest power.

Virtual town hall – Monday, May 19 at 6 p.m.

• Negotiations updates
• Discuss next steps
• Questions and answers with the bargaining team

A virtual link will be provided.

SRS APPs: Bargaining Update #16: April 7, 2025

We reached six new tentative agreements in a brief but productive bargaining meeting with management yesterday:
1. Successorship: The employer will notify us in advance in the event of any future sale or change in ownership and notify the new owner about our contract.

2. Management Rights: Agreed to boilerplate language that is typically included in union contracts.

3. Union Membership: Includes traditional union security where everyone pays their fare share.

4. Association Representation: This is an important provision for our contract. The agreed upon language empowers and gives our future selected APP union representatives the tools to represent our colleagues and enforce the terms of our contract if they are violated. Our coworkers we choose as our representatives can represent us during work hours without being docked pay. It also provides for release time so union stewards and officers can attend trainings, meetings, and conventions.

5. Complete Agreement: Another standard union contract provision.

6. Technology: Management will notify us of any new technology utilization, so we will have say related to it and we’ll have the right to bargain over the impacts to our working conditions.

Summer Goals
We have now submitted most of our proposals for management to consider, except for compensation, which we have been working on and plan to submit soon, with the goal of hopefully reaching agreement on an entire contract that you can review and vote on this summer.

We expect to schedule a townhall for mid-May to inform everyone of our progress with time for discussion, questions, and answers, with our bargaining team and negotiators.

Upcoming Bargaining
Our next bargaining session will be Monday, April 21, from 5 – 7 pm.

SRS APPs: Bargaining Update #15: February 24, 2025

On the evening of February 24, 2025, we met virtually with management. We are proud to be making strong progress and have reached a total of 26 Tentative Agreements (TA’s) on our first contract. The most recent TA’s include:
• Article 12: Job Posting and Filling Vacancies
• Article 14: Job Security and Protection of Bargaining Unit Work
• Article 33: Jury Duty and Witness Leave

Retirement Proposal
We discussed clarifications on several proposals, including Article 24: Retirement and Flexible Spending Accounts. Our proposal includes an 8% employer contribution and a Health Savings Account to create a more competitive policy that would help retain qualified APPs.

We discussed our proposal within the context of current retirement policies, comparing the SRS APPs to UNAC/UHCP RNs at Sharp who receive a 6% employer contribution for retirement, and SRS MDs, who receive retirement options like profit sharing, a pension plan, and 401k.

The employer stated that they will respond to all economic proposals comprehensively and not individually.

New Proposal: Article 26 Vacation
We introduced Article 26 that details vacation scheduling practices and vacation accruals. Our proposal maintains the status quo with vacation accruals, which are based on length of service.

Upcoming Bargaining
Bargaining will take place in-person on the following dates at SRSMG Headquarters:
• March 12, 2025, 9AM to 12PM
• March 31, 2025, 9AM to 12PM

SRS APPs Bargaining Update #14: February 11, 2025

We met virtually with management on the evening of February 11, 2025. We had positive conversations and presented several proposals, including a new benefits article. After analyzing and reviewing data on health insurance, we found that a significantly larger percentage of APPs’ pay goes towards the cost of healthcare benefits compared to SRSMG doctors, who have considerably higher income levels than APPs.

Based on our analysis and combined with current market research on San Diego healthcare standards for APPs, we presented a proposal to establish fairer employee cost shares. Our proposal also protects APPs from potential increases to healthcare premiums due to inflation and prevents adverse changes to benefits levels such as higher deductibles or co-pays.

Healthcare Proposal

Under this proposal, the annual cost savings to an employee that has health insurance that covers their family would be $5,710.80 annually, with cost going from $9,310.80 yearly to a fixed $3,600.00 per year.

* Pie charts based on 2024 healthcare plans at Sharp Healthcare HMO.

We also discussed clarifications to the following articles:
• Article 16 – Paid Sick Leave
• Article 18 – Health, Dental, and Insurance Plans
• Article 14 – Job Security and Protection of Bargaining Unit Work
• Article 33 – Jury Duty and Witness Leave

Upcoming Bargaining

• February 24, 2025, 5-7pm – Virtual

We continue to make progress on our first contract. Encourage your colleagues to attend bargaining so we can show our solidarity!

To download this bargaining update, click here.

SRS APPs Bargaining Update #13: December 16, 2024

We met with management on December 16, 2024 and are happy to report that we reached Tentative Agreements on the following articles:
• Article 32 – Standards Preserved
• Article 4 – Committees

January Bargaining Sessions
• Wednesday, January 15, 2025, time TBA. This will be an in-person meeting with management.
• Monday, January 27, 2025, 6-8PM, Virtual.

To download this bargaining update, click here.

SRS APPs Bargaining Update #12: November 18, 2024

On Monday, November 18, 2024, we met virtually with management. We discussed several articles and counter-proposals, and now are closer to reaching tentative agreements. The items discussed were: Article 4 – Committees, Article 12 – Job Posting and Filling Vacancies, Article 14 – Job Security and Protection of Bargaining Work, Article 25 – Allowances, and Article 7 – Association Representation.

SRS APP Holiday Open House
Join us for our end of year SRS APP Holiday Open House!
• Meet your bargaining team,
• Celebrate our union journey and get updates on bargaining,
• Enjoy dinner and refreshments, and
• Get your UNAC/UHCP T-shirt!
*Holiday attire welcomed*

Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 6PM-8:30PM
Location: UNAC/UHCP San Diego Office
5030 Camino de la Siesta, Suite 306
San Diego, CA 92108

To download this bargaining update, click here.

SRS APPs Bargaining Update #11: October 17, 2024

We met with management in a short session on Thursday, October 17, 2024. We gave our counter proposal on Article 14: Job Security and Protection of the Bargaining Unit. We also provided two new proposals on Allowances and Workload. If you would like to see the proposals, they can be found in the WhatsApp chat.

Remaining Bargaining Sessions in 2024
Join the virtual bargaining sessions! Listen from your car, while doing laundry, making dinner, or walking your dog. When we show up at bargaining, management sees that APPs are invested in advocating for a fair first contract.
• Monday, October 28, 6PM
• Monday, November 18, 6PM
• Monday, December 9, 6PM
• Monday, December 16, 6PM

To download this bargaining update, click here.

SRS APPs Bargaining Update #10: October 2, 2024

We met virtually on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 with management. We continue to have productive conversations. In preparation for our next phase of bargaining, we need your input!

Complete our Workload Survey to give us more information about the workload challenges you experience. This data will help us formulate proposals for more fair and equitable workload practices.

Please complete the survey by October 14, 2024, 11:59PM and encourage your coworkers to participate because we need to hear from all the different areas where APPs work.

Save the Date: End of Year Union Gathering 🎁
Mark your calendar for our End of Year SRS APP Union Gathering!

Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 6PM-8:30PM
Location: UNAC/UHCP San Diego Office
5030 Camino de la Siesta, Suite 306
San Diego, CA 92108

RSVP forthcoming.

Upcoming Bargaining Sessions
• Thursday, October 17, 6PM
• Monday, October 28, 6PM

Bargaining takes place virtually. Continue to attend bargaining sessions to show our unity!

To download this bargaining update, click here.

SRS APPs Bargaining Update #9: September 16, 2024

Our bargaining team met with management on the evening of September 16, 2024. We continue to negotiate with a professional and methodical approach, which is important as we prepare to bargain about economics.

We reached Tentative Agreements on the following articles:

• Article 11 – Seniority
• Article 34 – Licenses and Certifications
• Article 35 – Signatures
• Article 1A – Employment Status
• Article 5A – New Employee Orientation and Probation Period and Mentorship

SRS APP Town Hall (Virtual) – Sept. 25

We are hosting our fourth Town Hall, where we will answer questions and share what to expect in the coming months.

• Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 6:30PM
• Join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83337922016
• Meeting ID: 833 3792 2016

Town Hall Agenda

• Comprehensive Overview of Negotiations
• Behind the Scenes Wins
• Timeline, including when discussions on economics will take place
• Q&A

Upcoming Bargaining Dates

Please join us at bargaining! Your presence makes a difference.

• Thursday, October 17, 6PM
• Monday, November 18, 6PM
• Monday, December 9, 6PM
• Monday, December 16, 6PM

To download this bargaining update, click here.

SRS APPs Bargaining Update #8: September 3, 2024

We met on the evening of September 3, 2024 with SRSMG. We presented 8 proposals to management. While we did not reach any tentative agreements, we had productive discussions clarifying proposals and counter-proposals. We appreciate the continued support of SRS APPs who attended bargaining.

Mark Your Calendar: SRS APP Town Hall (Virtual)

We invite you to join our 4th Town Hall. The meeting will take place virtually. Please come with your questions!

• Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 6:30PM
• Join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83337922016
• Meeting ID: 833 3792 2016

Upcoming Bargaining Dates

Please join us at bargaining this fall:

• Monday, September 16, 6PM
• Thursday, October 17, 6PM
• Monday, November 18, 6PM
• Monday, December 9, 6PM
• Monday, December 16, 6PM

To download this bargaining update, click here.

SRS APPs Bargaining Updates #7: August 19, 2024

Our bargaining team has continued to have productive bargaining with SRSMG. We met virtually on July 22, August 8, and August 19. Here is a summary of our progress to date.

Regarding the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA):

At the August 19, 2024 virtual bargaining session, we reiterated our position that our union has fully waived any constraints from management in providing a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), a custom that has been practiced for years. We sent a letter to management electronically on August 16, 2024 stating that we have no objections to the employer continuing to provide the COLA.

Tentative Agreements

We have reached tentative agreements on the following:

• Preamble
• Article 1 – Recognition and Coverage
• Article 1c – Definitions
• Article 2 – Courtesy
• Article 6 – Non-Discrimination
• Article 6a – Lactation Accommodations
• Article 8 – Corrective Action & Discipline
• Article 9 – Grievance & Arbitration Procedure
• Article 13 – No Strike/No Lockout
• Article 19 – Professional Liability Insurance
• Article 21 – Savings Clause
• Article 22 – Safety and Health
• Article 26 – Union Leave of Absence & Access to Agreement
• Article 28b – Notices
• Article 29 – Parking
• Article 30 – Substance Abuse

Open Articles

We have shared proposals and counter- proposals on the following articles:

• Article 1a – Employment Status
• Article 1b – Successorship
• Article 3 – Rights of Management
• Article 4 – Committees
• Article 5 – Union Membership
• Article 5a – New Employee Orientation
• Article 7 – Association Representation
• Article 10 – Probation and Mentorship
• Article 11 – Seniority
• Article 12 – Job Posting & Filling Vacancies
• Article 14 – Job Security & Income Protection
• Article 23 – Complete Agreement
• Article 28 – Technology
• Article 32 – Standards Preserved
• Article 33 – Jury Duty and Witness Leave
• Article 34 – Licenses and Certifications

Discussions about major economics will start soon.

To download this bargaining update, click here.

SRS APPs Bargaining Update #6: July 17, 2024

Your bargaining team met with SRSMG management virtually over Microsoft Teams on the evening of July 17, 2024. We are excited to see the continued support from many colleagues who joined virtually to observe these important bargaining sessions. We discussed previously proposed articles and also introduced several new proposals.

Join Us at the Next Bargaining Session
All APPs are invited and encouraged to observe bargaining! The next bargaining session is on Monday, July 22, 2024 at 6:00 PM. Join via Microsoft Teams: www.unacuhcp.org/srs_July22

SRS APP Bargaining Team Members
• Patricia Cribbs, NP, Rancho Bernardo Family Medicine
• Alejandra “Alex” Diedrich, PA-C, Urgent Care
• Emily Gould, NP, Genesee Family Practice Dept

Have a question?
Please contact srsunited@unacuhcp.org.

SRS APPs Bargaining Update #5: June 4, 2024

On the evening of June 4, 2024, we had another virtual bargaining session with SRSMG management. Many of our colleagues joined and observed the meeting. You may observe future bargaining sessions! Dates, times, and links to join upcoming meetings are found below.

If you have specific questions, please reach out to an APP on the bargaining team or email srsunited@unacuhcp.org.

Upcoming Bargaining Dates:

• July 17, 2024, 6:00 PM, Virtual, Join via Microsoft Teams: www.unacuhcp.org/srs_July17
• July 22, 2024, 6:00 PM, Virtual, Join via Microsoft Teams: www.unacuhcp.org/srs_July22

SRS APP Bargaining Team Members:

• Emily Gould, NP, Genesee Family Practice Dept
• Patricia Cribbs, NP, Rancho Bernardo Family Medicine
• Alejandra “Alex” Diedrich, PA-C, Urgent Care

To download this bargaining update, click here.

SRS APP Bargaining Update #4: May 20, 2024

We had another virtual bargaining session on the evening of May 20, 2024 with SRSMG management. We will provide the bargaining update at Thursday’s Town Hall. Please join us!

SRS APP Town Hall

Thursday, May 23, 2024, 6:30pm

Get the latest information on what is happening at bargaining. Join the virtual Town Hall here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89461009942

To download this bargaining update, click here.

SRS APP Bargaining Update #3: May 13, 2024

Your bargaining team is continuing the work to secure a strong first contract. We met for three hours on the evening of May 13, 2024 with SRSMG management. We have been introducing and negotiating standard contract language, which is the building blocks of a strong foundation. We are working as a team to secure a contract that you will all support.

Join Us at the SRS APP Town Hall

SRS APP Town Hall – May 23, 2024, 6:30pm

Learn more about what’s going on at bargaining by attending the virtual Town Hall. Join the Town Hall here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89461009942

To download this bargaining update, click here.

SRS Bargaining Update #2: April 29, 2024

On the evening of April 29, 2024, we met virtually with SRSMG management representatives over Microsoft Teams. We continued making new proposals and having meaningful dialog.

SAVE THE DATE: May 23, 2024, 6:30pm – SRS APP Town Hall

We have planned a virtual Town Hall to provide information on bargaining and answer questions. At this Town Hall, we will also give other important updates. Join the Town Hall here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89461009942

Summary of Bargaining Session #2 Proposals:

We proposed to management the following:

• Article 1b – Successorship: We proposed that in the event the facilities are sold or if a change in ownership occurs, health care professionals would keep their jobs and the new employer would maintain our union contract standards. This helps protect jobs and our futures.
• Article 5 – Union Membership: We proposed that everyone pays their fair share and does their part in a “union shop. ” Nearly everyone agrees that we need fair raises, a voice on the job, and safe staffing. How do we get there? Only through high union membership. Working together as a group allows us to have power, and to do better than we would as individuals. That’s why union members earn more than non- union members. And that’s why contracts with a union shop are in the best position to bargain good contracts. When management sits down to bargain with your bargaining team, they know exactly how many APPs are members of the union and how many are not. With high membership, we bargain from a position of power. By prioritizing a union shop, we are sending a message that we are serious about having the strongest possible voice.
• Article 6a – Lactation Accommodations: We proposed enforceable rights and spelled out conditions for our colleagues who are breastfeeding.
• Article 19 – Medical Malpractice Insurance: We proposed providing comprehensive medical malpractice insurance coverage for APPs.

We reached tentative agreement (TA) on the following proposal:

• Article 6 – Non-Discrimination: to prohibit discrimination and harassment against employees.

To download this bargaining update, click here.

SRS Bargaining Update #1: April 17, 2024

On the evening of Wednesday, April 17, 2024, we kicked off our negotiations when we met with SRSMG management representatives at the SRS administration office building on Copley.

We discussed ground rules, which are usually one of the first items that the parties negotiate when bargaining begins. We articulated several concerns about a set of proposed ground rules that the employer had made prior to the meeting and gave them a comprehensive response. After exchanging dialog, it appears we are on a path to resolution on ground rules for this negotiation. The purpose of having ground rules is to expedite and help facilitate the bargaining process.

We also made and discussed proposals on the following items:

Article: Preamble

• Status: Tentative Agreement reached
• The agreed-upon language states: “The parties agree that the mission of both the Employer and the Union are to improve the health of those we serve and provide high quality care for patients and the community.”

Article 1 – Recognition and Coverage

• Status: Management hasn’t responded
• The recognition clause establishes the legal basis for the agreement and is the company’s recognition that the union is the exclusive representative.

Article 2 – Courtesy

• Status: Tentative Agreement reached
• The agreed-upon language states: “The Employer and the Union agree to encourage all employees and physicians, regardless of position or profession, to perform in a respectful, courteous, and dignified manner when such individuals interact with fellow employees, patients, and the public.”

Article 3 – Rights of Management

• Status: Management hasn’t responded
• In general, Management Rights clauses say the employer has the right to run the workplace. This is a general right and does not mean they can change any working conditions any time they want.

Article 6 – Non- Discrimination

• Status: Management hasn’t responded
• A standard clause that is included in a collective bargaining agreement to prohibit discrimination and harassment against employees.

Article 13 – Economic Action

• Status: Management hasn’t responded
• A standard clause that prevents work stoppages and lockouts during the term of the agreement.

Article 21 – Savings Clause

• Status: Tentative Agreement reached
• A standard clause that is included in the contract to sever any provision of it deemed invalid, illegal, or otherwise unenforceable while preserving the validity of the remainder of the agreement.

Future Bargaining Dates
• April 29 (4/29/24), 6:00 PM, Virtual (Teams)
• May 13 (5/13/24), 6:00 PM, Virtual (Teams)
• May 20 (5/20/24), 6:00 PM, Virtual (Teams)
• June 4 (6/4/24), 6:00 PM, Virtual (Teams)
• July 17 (7/17/24), 6:00 PM, Virtual (Teams)
• July 22 (7/22/24), 6:00 PM, Virtual (Teams)

We are working towards reaching an agreement with management for these meetings to be held virtually on Microsoft Teams, which will allow bargaining unit APPs to observe bargaining meetings. We stressed to the employer that it’s extremely important that this negotiation process be open and accessible for everyone covered by our union.

To download this bargaining update, click here.