SHARE members are asking a lot of questions about what will happen if the MNA strikes for one day and then UMass Memorial management keeps the replacement nurses for an additional for 4 days. SHARE very much hopes that the University MNA and UMass Memorial can come to an agreement without the need for a strike. Just in case, we are answering some of the questions that we have heard. (As you've probably heard, the Memorial MNA and UMass Memorial came to an agreement, so there will be no strike on the Memorial campus.
Q. Should I go to work if the MNA goes on strike?
A. Yes. The MNA is not asking SHARE members to
stay out of work if they strike. The SHARE contract, like most union contracts,
says we won't go on strike while our contract is in effect. SHARE employees
would not be protected from discipline if they didn’t come to work.
Q. I would like to show my support for the nurses
in the MNA -- how should I do that?
A. We expect that the MNA will welcome us to walk
their picket line with them. You should do this on our own time: before or
after work, or during your regular lunch break.
Q. I hear that some units may close if there's a
strike. What if my unit closes?
A. You can be floated to another unit to do a
comparable job to help with patient care. If you think that might happen,
ask your manager to be oriented there ahead of time, before you are needed to
float. Your manager could also ask you if you want to stay home and use
your own time. The SHARE contract says that you don't have to go home and use
your time if you don't want to (see the language about TOWOP here), but you could be
floated to another unit.
Q. We're getting asked to sign up for extra
shifts.
A. Yes, that's happening in a bunch of places.
You can sign up for extra hours to help out. If you are being mandated to work
extra time and you want help with it, call SHARE at 508-929-4020.
Q. What if I get asked to do RN work?
A. You can be asked to do work if it's within
your scope of practice. Don't do anything you don't feel confident doing.