For Immediate Release
12 August 2020
For More Information:
Joseph Schulte – Communications Director
[email protected]

Frontline CentraCare-Monticello Technicians, Support Staff, Nurses, EMS to Picket for Fair Contract

AFSCME Local 1898 frontline support staff, hospital technicians and nurses at CentraCare – Monticello are holding an informational picket outside the hospital six days over the next two weeks asking for a fair contract. After reaching tentative agreements on most of their proposals, management changed course and rejected the basic workplace changes that Local 1898 members have earned. This was prior to the Governor’s Emergency Declarations regarding COVID-19. Since then, management has also revoked an already marginal wage increase because of COVID-19.

Members have been without a contract since January 1st of this year. Many of the union’s proposals would address contract language that is over two decades old. Despite efforts by Local 1898 members to proactively negotiate a new contract 11 months ago, in September 2019, CentraCare-Monticello management has made it difficult to schedule negotiating sessions, and now wants to delay negotiations until sometime next year. Already many experienced staff such as EMS workers are leaving the facility for higher paying opportunities elsewhere. 

Members of Local 1898 are not doctors, CEOs, or other high-level administrators, they do not make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, our modest proposed wage increases cover the cost of family expenses, not extravagant luxuries. We cannot afford to be left behind in this millionaire’s economy.

As AFSCME Council 65 Director Shannon Douvier Explains, “Working people on the frontline are risking the health and safety of themselves and their families to protect our community and our country. It is unacceptable for employers and the powerful interests they represent to put the financial costs of this pandemic on the shoulders of working families.”

Local 1898 members will continue to try to negotiate in good faith with management despite their evasive efforts. The next mediation date is scheduled for Thursday August 20th. This is an informational picket, not a strike. Members will be working their regular shifts and attending the picket on personal time. Local 1898 members will be walking the picket line the following days from 8:00am-5:00pm:

A spokesman or member can be available via phone, video call, or on-site by request. Photographs and video of the picket will be provided throughout the picket. AFSCME 65 represents over 300 frontline technicians, support staff, EMS workers & nurses, and nursing assistants at Centra Care Monticello.