Members at Golden Valley Health Centers (GVHC) rallied in support of their bargaining team on Thursday evening for better wages and cost of living increases. The major struggle in negotiations is restarting the pay step system. While GVHC has a pay step system in place, there is no language in the contract that propels members through the steps. Many workers are still stuck at the A and B steps despite many years of service.
Members came to the board meeting and delivered 300 signatures on a petition in support of their bargaining team. The board president was clearly moved by the presentations. He responded by telling a story about his own life and told the group that “There are no hard hearts at this table.”
Delia Mendoza, a patient care coordinator for pregnant women, said, “Every worker shares the commitment to serving the underserved in our community. This is about getting and keeping the best workers to serve the people of this area.”
There’s some trouble at the hospital with turnover and retention because of working conditions and the lack of an established system for advancement. Those who stay do it because they are passionate about doing the work that they have been called to do. That passion and sacrifice for the community can also come at a great cost to the workers and their families.
“This is a battle for basic fairness.” said Joanna Lee, medical assistant. “We give a lot to our community and we’re asking for a little help so we can continue to do that.”