Management sent an update on Christmas Eve about bargaining progress. Once again, we’re providing the full picture.
We Believe in Transparency
Management says they “got the Union to agree to our approach” on healthcare. That frames it as a concession rather than mutual agreement, and it leaves out what actually happened.
Here’s the full picture:
- Management presented three options: massive healthcare cost increases with inadequate wages, current insurance with only 1% raises, or a plan that would dramatically increase employee costs. We’ve attached all 3 proposals at the bottom of the page.
- We rejected all three as unacceptable for our next three years.
- We proposed maintaining current healthcare arrangements while continuing to negotiate fair wages (management finally agreed).
Management claims their wage proposal costs $300k. Our calculations show approximately $100k for unionized staff. We asked them to share their calculations so we could understand the discrepancy. They refused. We deserve to know the real costs affecting our pay and benefits, and how management intends to spend the pot of money they have allocated for wages.
Why This Matters
Words shape how we understand what’s happening. They set the tone for whether we’re working together toward solutions or positioning ourselves as opponents. The recent update uses inaccurate language that frames bargaining as difficult and adversarial rather than collaborative:
What they said: “Crisis Connections got the Union to agree”
The reality: Our bargaining team—comprised of our fellow coworkers—are partners working toward a fair agreement, not obstacles to overcome. We told Management at our second session, after they made an insurance proposal, that we would agree to the current insurance split and resolve the rest of economics separately. Management finally agreed to this at the last session. While we are disappointed they would present our proposal as their own, the most important thing is that they finally agreed to protect our current insurance at the current cost-share percent.
What they said: “holding pattern with the Union”
The reality: Management hasn’t made a meaningful offer on wages that recognizes the value of our work. We have moved every proposal. Management’s proposals shuffled around the same pot of money in different ways rather than meaningfully engaging in bargaining.
What they said: “Unfortunately, to meet our obligation…we must move forward before reaching an agreement”
The reality: Year-end healthcare deadlines are a shared constraint! We can reach an agreement as soon as management presents or agrees to a proposal that addresses our needs as the workers operating Crisis Connections.
This divisive language is harmful and counterproductive—it undermines the bargaining process and partnership needed to reach fair agreements. We’re saddened this approach continues when straightforward, respectful communication would benefit us all.
Moving Forward
Bargaining continues in January on outstanding issues, including wages that reflect current economic conditions and the essential nature of our work. Management can start the new year differently, prioritizing working together and meaningful wage proposals.
Spread the Word
We’ve been hearing that not everyone is receiving our updates. Please discuss this update with your coworkers—if they haven’t received it, direct them to our website. If someone isn’t on our distribution list, let any bargaining team member know so we can update it.
Come See for Yourself!!
Real bargaining requires good faith from both sides. We are holding open bargaining sessions where you can observe negotiations during non-work time (despite management’s opposition). Please reach out to a Rep or attend a contract action team meeting (Mondays at 6 pm on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84963755014)
You be the judge—come see what’s really happening at the table.
If you have questions about what’s happening, reach out to any bargaining team member.