Turnout, Excitement High at First MHA Meeting of the Year!

On January 13, the Metro Hospital Authority (MHA) chapter met to elect members to the Bargaining Team and to plot the course for the chapter in 2008. This chapter meeting had a large turnout and the enthusiasm was high in moving the union forward. “For the first time in a long time, people are really excited about the union again,” said Trista Boseman, activity director at Knowles Home and an SEIU member activist. “It’s a new year and I think workers are ready to take the next step forward by getting involved in politics, in bargaining, and in building the union in 2008”.

The topics discussed at the chapter meeting included the Survey results from last month and how those would be part of bargaining. Also up for discussion were the costs of healthcare, pensions and the “Rule of 85”, and questions about Civil Service rules and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

The main goal of this month’s meeting was to nominate and elect members to the Bargaining Team for when negotiations start in March. The following members were nominated and elected to this year’s Bargaining Team:

Rayetta Mitchell
Chynette Gilkey
Trista Boseman
Diane Saunders
Cassie Stevenson
Diane Blair (alternate)
Rosa Lee (alternate)

The next regularly scheduled MHA chapter meeting will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2 at 10 am at the Union Hall.  We will be screening a film, Michael Moore's Sicko - after meeting business is finished.  Refreshments will be provided and all MHA members are encouraged to attend!