Urging the Renewal of Collective Bargaining Agreements Between Labor and Management in Area Health Care Institutions.

WHEREAS, On Saturday, June 30th , 15 collective bargaining agreements between District 1199C, an affiliate of the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees (AFSCME/AFL-CIO)(“District 1199C”) and major area health care institutions will expire; and

WHEREAS, District 1199C is one of the City's largest labor unions with about 17,000 members and it has been a pioneer in bringing minimum wage, health insurance, and pension benefits to hospital and health care workers; and

WHEREAS, District 1199C's is a leader in innovation and its Training and Upgrading Fund has been cited as a national role model by President Obama's Administration by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis and Secretary Solis stated that this program is a model for “incessant professional skill enhancement and expansion”; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphians spend over $8.6 billion per year on health care and the health care industry is one of the principal components of the City's economy and is a leading factor in the vitality of its tax and employment base; and

WHEREAS, Due to the importance of the health care industry, any work stoppage between District 1199C members and area health care institutions would have adverse consequences on this industry, patient care, and the economy of the Greater Philadelphia region; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we urge District 1199C and area health care institutions to renew their collective bargaining agreements.

End