Contract negotiations between the Fountain Valley Professional Association (FVPA) and Fountain Valley Regional Hospital continue as of the printing of this issue of the Voice. Despite a lot of hard work from both sides, no new  agreement was reached before the contract’s February 1 expiration date. As a result, the current contract has been extended, negotiations are continuing, and a Board of Inquiry (BOI) has been convened for early May if no new agreement is reached beforehand.

“These contract negotiations have been difficult at best, but our negotiating team has been diligently working to create a situation where productivity and safety are improved so that patients can go home healthier, happier and sooner,” stated Wendy Burrell, FVPA Co-Chair of the Registered Nurse staff. “We want to strengthen our contract where we can and are spending numerous hours together to make sure that happens.”

The BOI provision found in our Tenet contracts is somewhat unique for UNAC/UHCP. The BOI, which consists of a Union representative, a management representative and a neutral arbitrator who serves as the chairperson, is initiated after a contract expires with the aim of helping the parties achieve a new agreement. The three-member BOI discusses all outstanding, unresolved contract issues and makes recommendations on how they should be resolved.

“The BOI can be an asset when a neutral third party is the solution to reaching an agreement,” commented Susan Adamson-Nelson, FVPA Co-Chair of the Medical Professional staff. “Even though we might have different opinions on how to achieve the best possible treatment and outcome for our patients, I believe we all want the same thing. The employees that are on the front lines – the Registered Nurses and other Health Care Professionals –understand that this requires teamwork.”

After the BOI recommendations are issued, both the Union and management must voluntarily agree to accept each recommendation. If either party unilaterally rejects any recommendation, the rejecting party can submit the unresolved issue to interest arbitration. The arbitrator will make a final, binding decision.