A negotiator for about 1,800 licensed practical nurses, registered nurses and nurse practitioners at University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington has resigned from contract talks, according to a VTDigger report.
For eight months, Julie MacMillan, BSN, RN, has been the lead negotiator for the Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, which represents the nurses and is an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers. She announced her resignation in a Facebook post Aug. 24.
"Over the last week, I have been open and honest about the progress we have made toward a contract agreement with UVMMC and have expressed not only pride, but optimism," she wrote.
"I have been open about my desire for increased member polling, especially after the newest proposal drafted Aug. 18, as I feel that the opinions and views of this union are the driving force behind my mandate, and I felt that we had not only made great strides but had potentially reached a compromise.
"Unfortunately, several members of union leadership do not agree, and they feel that my ideals no longer fit with the mission of the union, and I have been asked to resign."
A union spokesperson told VTDigger that Ms. MacMillan did resign, butdisputed that she had been asked to do so. In a media statement, union President Laurie Aunchman said union members have played a key role in the negotiations.
"The campaign has always been and continues to be member-led, utilizing our Member Action Team structure and bargaining committee to solicit and engage membership feedback every step of the way," the statement reads.
The union and hospital have been in contract talks since before the workers' contract expired July 9. Workers ended a 48-hour strike July 14, and protested Aug. 22 as the hospital made a budget presentation to state regulators. According to the report, wages and staffing continue to be key issues at the bargaining table.
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