GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, MI -- After joining a union in the fall, Genesys Convalescent Center employees recently approved their first contract.
Employees ratified a contract between Genesys Health System administration and the Teamsters Local 332 Tuesday after a vote. The contract affects 147 registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nurse assistants, ancillary support services employees and maintenance employees.
On Tuesday, 101 employees showed up to vote, which showed how important it was to them, said Chris Cates, business agent for Teamsters Local 332.
"The Genesys administration, we worked pretty good together to meet the needs of the employees," Cates said. "It was a work that we did together. It turned out really well for the employees. They are really pleased."
The major component of the contract was to fix an issue in staffing, Cates said. When negotiations began there were 28 vacancies for nurse aids, she said. Throughout the negotiation process all the vacancies were filled and a process was agreed upon to fill vacancies in a timely manner.
A charge nurse was also added to each shift to help out with any extra responsibilities that are needed, Cates said.
"That is an extra pair of hands they get every shift, weekend, and holidays to help them," she said. "They very much want someone to listen to them."
Employees were also wanted something done with how employees were disciplined, Cates said. Employees were being disciplined differently for the same offense, so the contract includes a process to follow for certain actions.
The contract was approved fro 2013 through 2017.
“Genesys is pleased to report that once again our collaborative efforts with Teamsters Local 332 have resulted in very positive developments for both the Teamsters and Genesys Health System. We value our relationship with the Teamsters and are happy that we have been able to reach an outcome that is satisfactory for our associates," said Ron Haase, chief human resources officer for Genesys, in a written statement.