Accomplishments

Accomplishmants of 2008-2009

Leadership/Governance

  • Advocated for an amendment to MNA Bylaws which resulted in a compromise passed which now affords the right to a secret mail ballot on proposals to change dues for any MNA member who cannot attend Annual Meeting because of work schedule or religious observance.
  • Alerted members of approaching April 1 deadline for applying to MNA for reduced dues for those members working limited hours in 2008.
  • Held 10 meetings of Regional Council 4 with regular attendance by leaders of 9 of 11 Chairs of Region 4 bargaining units and 4 At-Large members. 
  • Held the First Annual Meeting of Region 4 members. 
  • Hosted the 2008 MNA Convention in Burlington and provided up to $250/member for 44 members of Region 4 to attend Convention.  
  • Provided local space in our Peabody office for meetings and classes of local MNA leaders, members and MNA staff
  • Coordinated arrangements for MNA’s briefings on the proposed National Union and dues changes in our Region.
  • With MNA Organizers, participated in home visits to RNs at a north shore hospital who are considering organizing with MNA.
  • Participated in visits to the DC offices of Senators Kennedy and Kerry and Congressman Tierney, emphasizing safe staffing, single payer health care, impact of Kentucky River decision, and Employee Free Choice Act. 
  • Actively participated in Governor Patrick’s forum in our Region calling for passage of safe staffing.

Education

  • Provided over 80 members up to $100/member in reimbursement of costs of continuing education, certification or advanced practice nursing.   
  • Collaborated with Mary Sue Howlett of MNA Nursing Education Department to present, in our Region, 4 clinical CE programs and two “Spanish for Health Care Providers” courses, attended by 40 Region 4 members.
  • With MNA Labor Educator, Joe Twarog, enrolled 35 Region 4 members, from 16 facilities, in Tracks 1-5 of Labor School, including the piloting of morning classes to accommodate members who work evenings.    Computer classes were particularly popular. 
  • Coordinated, with Co-Chairs of Anna Jaques Hospital and Chris Pontus of MNA’s Department of Occupational Health and Safety, an in-hospital educational program on Lateral Violence. 

Community Outreach and Participation

  • Collaborated with the North Shore Labor Council on shared priorities:  Safe Nurse Staffing; Universal Health Care, Employee Free Choice Act, Women Leadership in Unions;  and special recognition by labor and legislative leaders of the North Shore, of the outstanding accomplishments of Charlene Richardson, RN, Region 4 Community Organizer.
  • During winter holiday season, contributed $1,000 to each of two local charities - the local Salvation Army and the “Santa Fund” of Essex County, to help those in our communities in need.
  • Formed standing Committee on Community Outreach to provide ongoing help for our communities and to increase public visibility of MNA members in our Region. 

Financial

  • Provided five scholarships of $1,000 each to Region 4 members.  Also supported the Massachusetts Nurses Foundation (scholarships and research) through donations to Raffle, Auction and Golf Tournament. 
  • Contributed $500 to the MNA Awards Banquet to be held in Brewster on September 30. 
  • Made grants to our bargaining units so they could recognize members on National Nurses Day. 
  • Fulfilled financial duty to members by keeping operating costs within budget while coordinating support and services for 4,000 members.
  • Oversaw investment of Region 4 reserve fund in tumultuous time, resulting in a decline in value of only 5.4% over the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009. 

Goals for 2010:

  • Full participation on Regional Council of the leaders of all 9 of our bargaining units. 
  • Collaboration with MNA for assignment of a Community Organizer in our Region.
  • Full and timely coverage of Region members, bargaining units, and events on new Region 4 web page of MNA’s web site.
  • Quarterly printed Region 4 newsletters.
  • Continue responsible stewardship and management of Region 4 resources.
  • Encourage participation by more of our members in the activities and leadership of MNA both at the Regional and statewide level.
  • We thank all the staff of MNA in Canton and throughout the state without whom our accomplishments and goals would be greatly diminished.

 

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