UNOCH
Members Meeting
January 15, 2008

Minutes
Welcome-

Present- See sign in Sheet

Paying out of Audits- The hospital is currently paying out the back-pay for the 3rd quarter of audits. The audits were requested by UNOCH and have been paid out in response to the original incentive audit.  In the course of the incentive audit, it became clear that the hospital was paying people incorrectly not only for incentive shifts but in many other categories as well.  As the audits are completed by the hospital, UNOCH is reviewing a sample of the time cards to be sure that the audit is being done correctly. The next payout should be after the next pay period. 

House of Representatives- UNOCH is looking for ways to get more members involved. We would like to initiate a house of representatives. The H.O.R. would include one or two members from each unit or department who would make a commitment to come to the quarterly members meetings, as well as be available to distribute logo wear.  We would also ask them to help keep the bulletin boards in their units updated. We are looking for volunteers, starting now. We will post the positions on our website and in the next newsletter. Please see or call Jessica if interested.

Proposed Dues increase- the UNOCH board is asking the membership to approve a dues increase. The current dues rate of $14.00 per pay period has been in effect since 2005. The increase in dues would be by $2.00 per pay period. Nicole reviewed the reasons for the increase including: cost of living, rent, salaries, increase in certified reps, cost of postage and printing. Questions were asked and answered.  The topic of savings was reviewed; the board currently puts a minimum of $1,000 per month into savings. Looking around the state, even with a dues increase our dues are among the lowest in the country.  Short review of the history of our Union and how far we have come from an all volunteer organization run out of member’s homes to a fully staffed board with office space, an attorney on retainer and the successful negotiation of 4 contracts. Members are permitted to vote anytime during or after the meeting, the polls to close at 2115 tonight.

New Voluntary Benefits - Brief review of the new voluntary benefits.  At a special members meeting last week, we had the hospital representatives talk about all the new benefits.  UNOCH is excited about the new benefits, as they are the result of our and your complaints about the old companies and our demands for better products.  Open enrollment is now through Feb. 8th.

Thanks for coming/ Good Night.

Post Script /Note- The ballots were counted by the attorney. There were 66 members who cast a vote. There were 39 yes votes and 27 no votes. The proposed dues increase was passed.