Teamsters labor talks hit snag at St. E’s

By WILLIAM K. ALCORN

alcorn@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Contract negotiations between St. Elizabeth Health Center and Teamsters Local 377, which represents 708 service and maintenance employees at the Youngstown hospital, are stalled over health benefits.

“Our contract expired May 26, and though we have an extension until June 11, it appears negotiations are not progressing, despite the help of a federal mediator,” said Robin Schuler, chief negotiator for Local 377.

The reason for the impasse is money, specifically health insurance and the amount of co-pays at doctor’s offices and deductibles, or the amount of the medical bill before insurance kicks in, Schuler said.

Employees are willing to pay the 2 percent premium share increase St. Elizabeth is seeking, from 10 percent to 12 percent, but want a cap on the increases in co-pays and deductibles that the hospital system wants, Schuler said.

Co-pays and deductibles were increased over the life of the last union contract; and now St. Elizabeth wants a 3-year contract and wants to be able to adjust co-pays and deductibles every January as it sees fit, he said.

Humility of Mary Health Partners, parent company of St. Elizabeth’s, has remained financially strong because of its commitment to fiscal responsibility, said Molly Seals, senior vice president of human resources.

“At a time when many employers are not giving wage increases, we are offering across-the-board wage increases and offering to provide even more of an increase for persons earning less than $12.50 in year two of the contract — all while maintaining competitive benefits,” Seals said.

Like most employers, HMHP passes along a percentage of the actual health-premium cost to employees. The current proposal adjusts the percentage of the employee contribution for full-time employees (30 hours and greater) to 12 percent throughout the life of the contract. In the current health care environment, it is impossible to say there will not be any changes in the co-insurance or deductibles paid by HMHP employees, Seals said.

The purpose of a union contract is to spell out in writing what happens so employees know what to expect in their insurance during the contract period, Schuler said.

Twenty-five percent of the employees covered under this contract earn less than $10 per hour. “Whether we talk wages or insurance, it all adds up to the same bottom line. Yes, we have affordable premiums, but our out-of-pocket expenses for many have become prohibitive. What good is any kind of raise when it is going to be eaten up if you use your insurance?” Schuler asked.

Unlike most employers, Seals said, HMHP has established tiers of health insurance cost-sharing to ensure that its higher-paid employees pay a larger percentage of health-care costs, and lower-paid employees pay the smaller share of health insurance costs.

“We remain committed to reaching an agreement that recognizes the hard work of these associates and the excellent services they provide to our patients, and I am confident that we will do so soon,” she said.