Why Are We on Level 5 So Often? What’s Going on with Inpatient Volume?

Understanding what’s happening with patient volume was on the agenda at November’s SHARE-UMass Memorial Labor Management Partnership Council (LMPC) meeting, which brings together leaders from our union with the hospital’s executive leadership.

Kim Barry (ACNO and VP, Patient Care Services at UMass Memorial) described how hospitals across Massachusetts are dealing with high volume . . . including the ED boarders and bed shortages that go with it. SHARE members on the inpatient nursing floors and in the Emergency Rooms are dealing with this reality every day.

The high patient volume is caused by a combination of factors, including delayed care and short staffing, both inside hospitals and in the places hospitals discharge patients to, such as nursing homes, rehab centers, and behavioral health settings. The slides below further describe the issue, and UMass Memorial’s plan to deal with it.

This chart shows how many patients across Massachusetts were waiting for a bed elsewhere before they could be discharged on one day in September.

Kim described a wide range of changes and strategies that UMass Memorial is trying, all with the aim of improving the patient flow. In particular, there are several plans to add beds.

At the December meeting of the LMPC, we are going to talk about plans for anticipated Winter surges of COVID, RSV, etc.

SHARE and UMass Memorial Get Ready to Launch Medical Assistant Registered Apprenticeship

Kellie Morton (SHARE Organizer and Patient Care Associate) and Janet Wilder (SHARE Organizer) at the recent Medical Assistant Apprenticeship press conference

“Many SHARE members want to learn and grow in their careers. But it’s tough to go to school when you have a job, and kids, and bills to pay. Registered apprenticeships are one way to ‘earn and learn,’ which is critical for many SHARE members,” said Janet Wilder, SHARE Organizer at a press conference on Wednesday.

SHARE and UMass Memorial are working together to create career paths for SHARE members to move up in the organization. On Wednesday, our organizations jointly announced an apprenticeship to train medical assistants, starting in the spring of 2024.

Massachusetts Secretary of Labor, Lauren Jones (speaking), with UMass Memorial’s Interim President Justin Precourt, and Director of Workforce Development and Planning, Kelley Aiken

Since our most recent contract negotiations ended – where we increased tuition benefits – SHARE has been working with UMass Memorial to create as many career pathways as possible. SHARE aims for members to have options for growth, and for UMass Memorial to have people to fill positions who are well-trained, who are committed to UMass Memorial and our patients, and who want to stay and grow their careers.

Kelly Aiken, Director of Workforce Development and Planning, UMass Memorial Health, spoke about the new career training programs and how our hospital focuses on “hot jobs,” which are both in high-demand and challenging to fill. Some of those roles include: Medical Assistants, PCAs, and Surgical Technologists.

Massachusetts Secretary of Labor, Lauren Jones, joined-in to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week. It turns out that our Medical Assistant registered apprenticeship will be the first healthcare registered apprenticeship in Central Massachusetts.

“I’ve worked at UMass Memorial for 31 years,” says Kellie Morton, Medical Office Assistant in the Oncology Clinic and part-time SHARE Organizer. “I started with a training class in Home Health offered by the hospital, and I’ve worked my way up. Now I’m a Medical Assistant. It’s been an honor to help to design the Medical Assistant Apprenticeship program. We need more Medical Assistants to fill jobs, and giving opportunities to our own caregivers is huge. We’re excited to help train the new apprentices by precepting them during their on-the-job training. I want everyone to have opportunities!”

The career training programs that we create together – union and management -- will be stronger and better because they take into front-line SHARE members’ experience and knowledge.

If you are interested in the Medical Assistant apprenticeship, watch for more information in the new year. There will be room for 10 students in the first group, and we will grow from there.

UMass Memorial’s Director of Workforce Development and Planning, Kelley Aiken, announces the forthcoming “Earn and Learn” apprenticeship program where employees can advance their schooling and their career while working. Watch the story on local SpectrumNews1.

Your Department Weather Policy: What You Should Know

SHARE’s contract agreement with UMass Memorial says this: "All employees are expected to report to work, unless the severe weather plan in their department allows them to stay home." The full policy is posted below.

Of course, your work area may benefit from something better tailored to the work that you do. If you do not know if there’s a department-specific plan for your area, you should check with your supervisor or manager. The practice of the department should remain the same from year-to-year, and not change without negotiation between department leadership and SHARE staff.

perfect+storm+snowman.jpg

If you have questions, or would like help developing, revising, or documenting the plan in your own department, call or email the SHARE office.

Please take good care when making decisions about traveling in extreme weather.

severe weather

from SHARE-UMass Memorial Contract Agreement, page 82

UMass Memorial is an essential community service and as such will continue its operations without regard to weather conditions. However, UMass Memorial and SHARE recognize that severe weather conditions can interfere with the ability of employees to come to work, and agree to the following:

Staffing plans

The CNO, CMO, Hospital President and Vice-Presidents are responsible for developing a fair and equitable staffing plan to ensure continued essential services, and for informing employees of staffing and attendance requirements.

In order for employees to know what their responsibilities are in the case of severe weather, departments are encouraged to develop plans for their areas within the framework of the hospital plan described above. Employees are encouraged to participate in the development of the plan for their department. Department severe weather plans could include: what staffing level is required in the case of severe weather (such as full staffing, skeletal staffing, or no staffing necessary); how employees will find out if they are required to be at work that day, who to call and how to reach them; and whether there is a difference in their department between the plan for severe weather and the plan for a declared state of emergency. Department managers should review the severe weather plan for their department with all employees annually before winter weather begins.

All employees are expected to report to work, unless the severe weather plan in their department allows them to stay home.

Staying at work

Employees who are working during severe weather conditions are expected to work through the end of their assigned work shift unless they are excused earlier. In extreme situations, employees may be required to work beyond the end of their normal scheduled work shift if the manager determines it necessary to meet patient care and operational needs. SHARE overtime rules will apply.

Department closing, early dismissal
If a department is closed for all or part of the day due to severe weather, employees may go home (see pay for missed hours) or choose to report to/remain at work. The hospital may assign people who stay at work to perform different functions than their normal job. For a work assignment in an area other than your own, page the nursing supervisor/bed management: for the University campus, pager #2044; for the Memorial campus (on evenings, nights, weekends and holidays) pager #3318.

Grace period for late arrivals
The office of the CEO or his/her designee may establish a paid grace period for arriving late to work. The length of the grace period will be based on the severity of the weather conditions.

Pay for missed hours

Other than late arrivals covered by an established grace period, employees who miss all or part of their work shift may use earned, vacation or personal time, or choose to go unpaid for the hours they missed. When appropriate, an employee may make up the time that week, by mutual consent between the employee and the supervisor. Made up hours will be paid at straight time unless weekly hours total more than 40.

Excused and unexcused absences
If an employee does not work because the department is closed, or because they are not required to come to work, it will be considered an excused absence. Late arrivals covered by an established grace period will be considered an excused absence. Other absences from work on a severe weather day will be considered unexcused.

Transportation

When severe weather makes travel unsafe, or in a state of emergency, transportation assistance may be available. Requests for assistance should be directed to the nursing supervisor/bed management: for the University campus, pager #2044; for the Memorial campus (on evenings, nights, weekends and holidays) pager #3318. When necessary, communication with external bodies such as the National Guard and ambulance carriers will be coordinated through these offices.

SHARE Thanksgiving Update: Scholarships, Inclement Weather, and More . . .

UMass Memorial Medical Assistant Apprenticeships Announced

SHARE organizers Kellie Morton and Janet Wilder joined UMass Memorial leadership and Massachusetts Secretary of Labor Lauren Jones at a recent press conference to announce a forthcoming “Earn and Learn” apprenticeship program. With this apprenticeship — the first healthcare apprenticeship in Massachusetts — employees will be able to advance their schooling and their career while working. Details, including how to apply, will be announced in the coming months, and posted on the SHARE website. Read the full post.

“I’ve worked at UMass Memorial for 31 years,” says Kellie Morton, Medical Office Assistant in the Oncology Clinic and part-time SHARE Organizer, seen here with SHARE Organizer Janet Wilder. “I started with a training class in Home Health offered by the hospital, and I’ve worked my way up. . . . We’re excited to help train the new apprentices by precepting them during their on-the-job training. I want everyone to have opportunities!”

UMass Memorial’s Interim President Justin Precourt and Director of Workforce Development and Planning Kelly Aiken with Massachusetts Secretary of Labor Lauren Jones.

Watch the story on local SpectrumNews1.

Learn to Be a PCA

Are you interested to learn to be a PCA (Patient Care Associate) and take care of patients on the inpatient nursing floors? Or maybe you know someone else who is? Check out this new training program!

Improve Your English Language Skills

UMass Memorial’s free Workplace English Fall 2023 courses are already underway, but there are still some spaces left. These online courses are for any caregiver wanting to grow their English language abilities, for learners at any skill level. Learn more here.

Bad Weather Ahead?

SHARE’s contract agreement with UMass Memorial says this: "All employees are expected to report to work, unless the severe weather plan in their department allows them to stay home.” Of course, your work area may benefit from something better tailored to the work that you do. If you do not know if there’s a department-specific plan for your area, you should check with your supervisor or manager. The practice of the department should remain the same from year-to-year, and not change without negotiation between department leadership and the SHARE members. To learn more about the policy, and how SHARE’s contract creates opportunities for improving the plans where you work, read this recent post . . .

Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship

When it comes to being awarded union scholarships, SHARE members have a strong record. We’re looking forward to seeing more SHARE families benefit from this new round of available aid . . .

The Annual AFL-CIO Scholarship and Labor Education Program is in its 65th year. Through the program, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO and affiliated unions are proud to award financial resources to high school students pursuing trade union programs or college/university study. ­The Massachusetts AFL-CIO administers half a million dollars of scholarship awards on behalf of unions and labor councils throughout the state. Individual awards range from $500 to $16,000. You can view a list of available awards and their criteria here.

In order to be eligible for a scholarship, students must be a senior in high school and take the Labor History Exam. December 22, 2023 is the last day to register. For more information, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions and a Labor History Study Guide, visit https://massaflcio.org/scholarships

What’s Going on with Inpatient Volume?

SHARE members on the inpatient nursing floors and in the Emergency Rooms are dealing every day with the hard reality of our hospital being at Level 5 capacity status.

At the recent LMPC meeting, hospital leaders explained to SHARE that the high patient volume is caused by a combination of factors, including delayed care and short staffing . . . both inside hospitals, and in the places hospitals discharge patients to, such as nursing homes, rehabs and behavioral health settings. See visuals describing the increased volume — and our hospital’s plan to deal with it — here.

Topping Off Paid Family Medical Leave

The passage of the Family Medical Leave Ac (FMLA) in 1993 provided critical job protections for American workers and their families. The Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) furthered those protections by helping workers here avoid the often impossible choice between getting paid and taking time to get healthy. However, until now, even though Massachusetts provided pay to those taking PFML leave, workers still generally couldn’t maintain their full income.

Thanks to a new provision, Massachusetts employees can now use the Paid Time Off that they’ve accrued through their employer to top-off their income while on medical leave. For more details, check out these answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

Working On Veterans Day

Because Veterans Day landed on a Saturday this year, many SHARE members had questions about holiday pay. The SHARE/UMass Memorial Contract Agreement points out that, for minor holidays such as Veterans Day: “SHARE members who work Monday through Friday will receive the holiday benefit on the observed holiday, except that the holiday differential will only be paid for hours worked on the actual holiday. Holiday differential will not be paid for working on observed holidays that are different from the actual holiday.” (page 58)

Working Around thanksgiving

We know that the work itself can often be more complicated around the holidays. SHARE has negotiated in several areas over the years for an increased number of employees to take off the day after Thanksgiving. We hear that, for still other members, it makes more sense to be home for the day. We’ll continue working with your departments, where the demands of the work allow for it, to maximize the number of people who can take the day off.

As always, SHARE is grateful to everyone who will be working and making personal sacrifices to care for patients and keep our work community strong.

Thanksgiving dinner tastes best when it’s prepared with love . . . using union-made ingredients!

SHARE Honors Veterans

SHARE members know that, contrary to stereotypes, military veterans are not just tough individuals. We know that your experiences in challenging environments can foster a unique understanding of the importance of giving care. We know all of that, in part, because so many SHARE members are veterans themselves!

To all of our veterans, SHARE thanks you for your service, and for the unique skills and sensibilities that you bring to our hospital.

SHARE Benefits & the Holiday

Although Veterans Day is an important time to stop and pause, to reflect and honor, it’s also true that the work of our hospital can’t stop, not even for a second. SHARE continually negotiates for as many people to be off as possible on days like this one, but most departments will remain open.

We’re grateful to all of you who continue the important work of our hospital through the holiday. For information about how holiday pay works, see page 56 of the SHARE contract (or the highlights below).

Perks and Services for Veterans

We do hope that our veterans are able to take advantage of the ways that our community recognizes your commitment to our country. Here are lists of freebies and benefits from the local Patch website and from military.com in honor of Veterans Day. Service can sometimes create ongoing demands on veterans, of course, so please also know that there is a wide range of local services designated to help you.

“When SHARE Members Work a Holiday

Holiday Differential: SHARE members who work any of the four minor holidays shall receive the holiday differential of $0.85 for each hour worked on the holiday. The minor holidays are Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Columbus Day and Veterans Day. Major

…

Hour-For-Hour Holiday Bank Time for Holiday Worked: When a SHARE member works a holiday, holiday bank hours are placed in their holiday or earned bank for later use. The number of hours you earn will be the greater of: the number of hours that you work on the holiday, or 1/5 your scheduled weekly hours.

….

Holiday Benefit when you are Off for the Holiday

Holiday Benefit for Non-Worked Holiday: SHARE members receive a holiday benefit of 1/5 their scheduled weekly hours….”
— Excerpts from the Holiday Policy, which starts of page 56 of the SHARE – UMass Memorial contract

Couillard Scholarship for PCAs and LPNs

Are you pursuing a nursing degree? SHARE has just learned that the following scholarship opportunity is being made available through UMass Memorial.

Please note that the application deadline is almost here: Friday, November 10!

from the UMass Memorial Department of Nursing Professional Development . . .

On behalf of the Couillard Fund, we have an exciting announcement for Medical Center PCA and LPN Caregivers! 

The Couillard Fund, in collaboration with the Department of Nursing, is excited to be awarding four (4) Couillard Fund nursing scholarships to full time and part time PCA and LPN caregivers who are currently enrolled in a nursing program leading to RN licensure.  We want to encourage those who are working to pursue or advance their nursing practice to apply for this unique opportunity. 

Each scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $2500 which will be paid directly to the winner’s school. 

Submissions can be completed using the online survey monkey link

or paper application below. 


All submissions should be completed by the applicant and emailed to nursingexcellence@umassmemorial.org and/or completed online by November 10, 2023. 

 

Winners will be announced before the end of calendar year 2023. 

We look forward to reviewing your application! 



Open Enrollment DEADLINE FRIDAY!

Tips and Tools FOR YOU AND YOUR CO-WORKERS

Everyone must respond!

As you probably know, this year there’s a shortened Open Enrollment period, and the hospital is requiring ALL employees to make benefits choices.

What Members Are Saying

SHARE is working hard to make sure that no one goes without Health Insurance. We’ve had hundreds of conversations over the past week to see how things are going. Most members say it’s easy, and the Benefits hotline is helpful to answer questions. But some members have run into surprises . . .

Don’t Delay! Enroll Now!

Some members say that they come across decisions that they hadn’t anticipated; for example, they had to talk through decisions about orthodontics coverage with other members of their family, and were glad they enrolled early enough to have time for that.

See It Through

Other members have been surprised that they were still listed as un-enrolled: they had forgotten to click “Submit” at the end of the process. If you have not gotten an email confirmation about your benefits elections, log back in to http://mybenefits.umassmemorial.org/ and make sure you’re done.

Make It Easy On Yourself

Members who’ve had the easiest time enrolling have generally based this year’s choices off of their previous choices. You can easily review your current benefits right in the app. (See the photo below for the phone view.)

Thank you to everyone who’s helping to make sure that everyone in our community gets signed up during Open Enrollment this year. If you have co-workers who still need to sign up, they can point their phone’s camera at the above QR code. That’ll take them straight to the Benefits site. Or, log into http://mybenefits.umassmemorial.org/

Keep In Touch

If you have tips, or if you’re running into problems or questions that the Benefits Office can’t help with, let SHARE know!

SHARE Updates: Retirement Planning, Open Enrollment, and More

Raise time is a good time to start — or increasE — your 401K deduction

Take good care of your future self by taking advantage of UMass Memorial’s 401k contribution match!

Some SHARE members choose this time to increase their contribution because they say they won't miss the money as much if the deduction starts at the same time as the raise. UMass Memorial adds $.50 for each dollar you contribute to your 401k, matching up to 2% of your pay. Learn more here.

required action: Open Enrollment

Monday, October 16 — Friday, October 27

Please note that the hospital is requiring ALL employees to enroll in benefits elections during this year’s shortened open-enrollment period. SHARE is advocating that no one should lose health insurance if they fail to update their choices, but the employer currently maintains that no enrollment = no coverage.

For more information, please see this message from UMass Memorial Hospital.

Rental Assistance Program Kicks Off

The popularity of SHARE’s new Rental Assistance Program has been massive, and is offering much-needed financial support at a time when many SHARE members need it most. The spike in Central Massachusetts rental costs has made it so hard to produce first-,last- and security deposit, but this loan aims to address this need. Please note that the loan is only applicable to those members actively moving to a new place: UMass Five Credit Union may require proof-of-lease to approve this low-interest loan.

Visit the SHARE website for more about the Rental Assistance Loan

Free Covid-19 Test Kits

Since September 25, every U.S. household has again become eligible to place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Order your free kits from covid.gov

* Before You Throw Out "Expired" Tests: Check FDA's website to see if your COVID-19 tests' expiration dates have been extended.

The SHARE Unit Based Team (UBT) at Barre Family Health Center only began in April of 2022, but has quickly climbed the ranks to become one of the pioneering Teams to achieve Level 3 on the Path to Performance.

. . . and the Vascular office has just become one of the very first teams to reach Level 4 UBT status. Congratulations on charting the way!

ICYMI: All UMass Memorial Employees Must Enroll, Oct 16-27

Please note: ALL SHARE members must take action to enroll for benefits during this year’s shortened open-enrollment period

In case you missed it: the following important information comes from the UMass Memorial Benefits Office . . .

Open enrollment is on the way! Watch for more information coming soon, including the open enrollment package that will be sent to your home. 
 
What’s in store for 2024

  • Action Required: Everyone Must Enroll! During this year’s open enrollment period, UMass Memorial benefits-eligible employees must enroll in benefits between Monday, October 16 and Friday, October 27. Note the window is shorter this year, so be sure to enroll by October 27!

  •  No Enrollment = No Coverage. If you do not enroll, you will not be covered in 2024 for medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts (FSA) or voluntary benefits (such as legal assistance, supplemental life, disability insurance and others. 

If you miss this open enrollment window, you will not have the opportunity to enroll again until 2025 (unless you have a qualifying life event).

  • Read through your 2024 Benefits Guide when you receive it to make informed benefits decisions and learn how UMass Memorial Health provides our caregivers with value at every stage of your life.

  • 2024 Changes: The life, disability and leave management vendor is changing to Reliance Matrix. More details will be provided in the 2024 Benefits Guide that will be mailed to your home prior to open enrollment, which will also include new rate information.

 
What you need to do

  • Review your 2024 Benefits Guide prior to making plan selections.

  • Be sure to make your plan selections for 2024 coverage OR decline coverage by October 27.

  • Employees will need to provide documentation during open enrollment, such as marriage and birth certificates in order to enroll spouses and dependents (see entity-specific details below).

    • For Worcester-based, Marlborough Hospital and HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital caregivers: You will only need to provide this documentation if you’re enrolling in benefits for the first time or adding a new spouse or dependent.

    • For Community Healthlink and Harrington caregivers: Since this is your first enrollment as part of the system, you must provide this documentation for your spouse and dependents at the time of enrollment in order for them to have coverage.


Questions about this year’s open enrollment?
Please call the UMass Memorial Open Enrollment Support Center at 877-295-2577.

Raise Time Is a Good Time to Evaluate Your Retirement Strategy

Raise time is a good time to think about starting or increasing your 401K deduction

Some SHARE members choose this time to increase their contribution because they say they won't miss the money as much if the deduction starts at the same time as the raise. UMass Memorial adds $.50 for each dollar you contribute to your 401k, matching up to 2% of your pay.

an Early Start Is Part of a Wise Retirement Strategy

While all SHARE members automatically accrue toward retirement through the Defined Benefit Pension, the UMass Memorial 401k plan allows you to save for retirement, pre-tax, with UMass Memorial contributing too. If you’ve been to a SHARE Retirement Training, you know that experts retirement say we should think of a solid retirement income as a three-legged stool, with the pension serving as one leg, Social Security as a second leg, and your total savings functioning as the third leg. The younger you start, the less you have to take out of your check each week to reach your goals.

Don’t Leave Money on the Table

Memorial CT Technologist and SHARE Co-President Jay Hagan has served as a member of the SHARE team that has negotiated with management about the current retirement benefits. “I think a lot of SHARE members don’t realize they’re leaving money on the table if they don't save through the 401k,” he says. “My financial advisor tells me, 'if you can afford it, the employer-match is really free money.' You could think of it as the hospital paying you to participate. If you don't use the match, it's like giving the money back.”

Have Questions?

If you have questions about SHARE’s negotiated retirement benefits, please contact the SHARE office. If you have questions about your own 401k, contact Fidelity Investments at 800-343-0860, or log on to your Fidelity account at www.fidelity.com/atwork.

***

It’s always easy to find other ways to spend your money, but be sure to show some compassion to your future self, too. That person will be grateful that the “current you” took advantage of the employer’s match, and socked away some money for yourself in your 401k. Check out these resources . . .

  • This article explains the value of compound interest, and why investing now gives you so much more than investing later.

  • Fidelity NetBenefits provides this individualized investment calculator that can help you understand just how different contribution amounts affect your long-term investments.

  • So many decisions! Seem like too much? Dr. Laurie Santos of Yale University tackles the subject of “decision fatigue” in episode 8 of her podcast, The Happiness Lab. (She talks about the subject of 401k’s around minute 14 of the broadcast.)

  • And it may seem silly to literally imagine your future self, but that can actually be useful to your financial health, according to this report.

If you recognize this post, good eye! We’ve re-printed this here from before on the SHARE blog, with some revisions. It’s just such a useful annual reminder!

SHARE Updates: Upcoming Raises & The Benefits of Unions

First, a correction: we provided an incorrect email address in the last update. To contact SHARE, including to request a copy of the new contract if you’re unable to make it to a contract distribution event, please email us at share.comment@theshareunion.org.

You can also call and leave a message with the SHARE office: 508-929-4020. We apologize for any inconvenience from the mistake.

October Raises

The next raise is coming soon! The raise will be effective 10/1/23, and reflected in the first paycheck after that date.

Your raise will be 5% of your current pay, or $1.25 per hour, whichever amount is larger.

For more information about the structure of the raise, and how to calculate your own, check out this page about raises.

Many more of the most common questions are answered in this FAQ from the last contract negotiations, including:

  • How was the raise amount decided?

  • How does the raise compare?

  • What if I believe my pay is still too low?

  • Do health insurance and union dues increases eat up my raise?

  • and more . . .

Have more questions? Contact your area SHARE Rep or a SHARE Organizer!

Treasury Department Releases First-Of-Its-Kind Report on Benefits of Unions to the U.S. Economy

The U.S. Treasury Department recently released its most comprehensive ever look at the role that labor unions play in the American economy with a new report.

Turns out, many of the benefits of unionization that we experience right here in SHARE are having the same effects nationwide. Key findings of the report include:

  • Unions raise the wages of their members by 10 to 15 percent. Unions also improve fringe benefits and workplace procedures such as retirement plans, workplace grievance policies, and predictable scheduling.

  • Unionization also has spillover effects that extend well beyond union workers.

  • The diverse demographics of modern union membership mean that the benefits of any policy that strengthens today’s unions would be felt across the population.

  • Finally, in addition to supporting the middle class, unions contribute to economic growth and resilience. And unions can boost businesses’ productivity by improving working environments and by giving experienced workers more of an input into decisions that design better and more cost-effective workplace procedures. 

For more, read the full press release.

Back Up Childcare for UMass Memorial Employees

The SHARE office recently received the following information from Bright Horizons for parents and caregivers at UMass Memorial Hospital . . .

bright horizons back up care

Holidays, breaks, professional development days — no matter the no-school reason, Bright Horizons can help you figure it all out. Your Bright Horizons Back-Up Care™ benefit makes life easier with reliable, high-quality child care options.

Click to Register & Reserve Care

Benefits of Back-Up Care  

Why take advantage of back-up care?
It makes life easier, with:  

  • Convenient child care options in nearby centers or at home

  • High-quality care that fills in whenever your regular care falls through

  • An affordable solution you can rely on

  • Easy booking with speedy reservations under 90 seconds for last-minute care gaps or in advance  

Click to receive Bright Horizons Text Alerts 

SHARE Updates: Contract Events, Childcare, Educational Opportunities, and More . . .

CONTRACT DISTRIBUTION EVENTS

Want to curl up with a paper version of the contract in front of the fire?

Get your copy of the red book — and talk with SHARE Organizers about any questions you’ve got — at an upcoming Contract Distribution Event.

  • UNIVERSITY — Tuesday, Sept 12 — Prescription Center hallway (aka “four corners”) — 11:30-1:30

  • MEMORIAL — Tuesday, Sept 19 — across from Cafeteria — 11:30-1:30

If you’d like a SHARE Rep to bring copies of the contract to your department or worksite, please contact SHARE.

Backup Childcare through Bright Horizons

In conjunction with UMass Memorial Hospital, Bright Horizons provides a backup childcare option to employees for holidays, breaks, professional development days, and more. Find more information and apply here.

FREE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

In last week’s email update, we pointed out that Quinsigamond Community College is working together with the MassReconnect program to offer the opportunity to earn free Associate Degrees and certificates for adults twenty-five years and older. But! The MassReconnect program isn’t limited to QCC: the MassReconnect program means that ALL 15 community colleges in Massachusetts are FREE to students who qualify for this program! Learn more here.

Federal Student Loan Repayments Resume in October

After a pause during the pandemic, federal student loans have again begun accruing interest, and payments will need to be made again beginning in October, to the frustration of many.

Find information and resources for union members belonging to AFSCME (SHARE’s parent union) in this message on the SHARE Blog.

The entire SHARE Contract Bargaining Agreement with UMass Memorial is online

Use the above link to zoom in, read, and print the information you need.

Make it easy, using your browser’s search tools and the SHARE site FAQ’s.



Federal Student Loan Repayments Resume in October

The following message comes from SHARE’s parent union, AFSCME, and includes helpful information and resources for union members with outstanding student loans from the federal government.

For scholarship and financial aid resources available to SHARE members, see blog posts labeled #Scholarships and #Education

Dear AFSCME Family,

As many of you know, most federal student loan borrowers have had their payments paused since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 emergency. This student loan relief has come to an end and will not be extended. The accrual of interest on federal student loans resumed on September 1, 2023, and loan payments will become due in October 2023.

We know that many of you, as well as members of your family, are student loan borrowers. We also know that the transition back to paying student loans may be challenging or confusing for some.

If you are a student loan borrower, here are 6 ways you can prepare:

1. Update your contact information with your loan servicer and at StudentAid.gov.

2. Review information about your next payment. This information can be found on your billing statement or by contacting your loan servicer.

3. Use the Federal Student Aid Loan Simulator to make sure you are on the best repayment plan, especially if your financial situation has changed.

4. Consider applying for, or switching to a new, income-driven repayment (IDR) plan. An IDR plan can make your monthly payment more affordable. Borrowers who consistently make monthly payments may see their debt forgiven after a certain number of years. The Biden administration recently announced as new IDR plan – Saving on Valuable Education (SAVE) – that will help more than 20 million American borrowers.

5. If you cannot afford a repayment plan right now, contact your loan servicer to discuss short term relief options, such as deferment or forbearance. Make certain you understand how these options may affect your loan, loan payments and eligibility for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness and IDR plans.

6. Understand what may happen if you don’t repay your loan. While delinquent payments can have a negative impact on your finances, the Biden administration has instituted a 12-month “on-ramp” period – October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024 – to reduce the impact on borrowers who are not able to resume their loan payments immediately. During this period, borrowers will not be considered delinquent, be reported to the credit bureaus, placed in default, or referred to debt collection agencies. However, borrowers should be aware that delinquent loan payments will continue to accrue interest and may impact when you qualify for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program or an IDR plan.

Our union wants to make sure you have the resources you need to successfully restart your loan payments. Visit AFSCME’s Student Debt Resources for additional and updated information, including information about the new SAVE plan and the 12-month repayment “on-ramp” period.

SHARE Contract Distribution Events & Online Link

The entire SHARE Contract Bargaining Agreement with UMass Memorial is online.

Use the above link to zoom in, read, and print the information you need.

Make it easy, using your browser’s search tools and the SHARE site FAQ’s.

Contract Distribution Events

Want to curl up with a paper version of the contract in front of the fire?

Get your copy of the red book — and talk with SHARE Organizers about any questions you’ve got — at an upcoming Contract Distribution Event.

  • UNIVERSITY — Tuesday, Sept 12 — Prescription Center hallway (aka “four corners”) — 11:30-1:30

  • MEMORIAL — Tuesday, Sept 19 — across from Cafeteria — 11:30-1:30

If you’d like a SHARE Rep to bring copies of the contract to your department or worksite, please contact SHARE.

SHARE Labor Day Updates

Happy Labor Day! We hope you’re enjoying the sunshine today, and grateful to those SHARE members who are working on the holiday to take care of patients and our hospital.

Have We Lost the Spirit of Labor Day?

That’s the question asked in this short piece about the history and meaning of Labor Day, who points out that workers’ concerns and needs continue to evolve.

You still sometimes hear claims that unions have outlived their relevance. But SHARE members know that — even with good bosses, in good workplaces — concerns with working conditions continue. Only an independent source of power like a union can provide safe and effective ways for workers’ voices to consistently make a difference at work.

MassReconnect: Free Community College

Quinsigamond Community College is offering the opportunity to earn free Associate Degrees and certificates for adults twenty-five years and older. For more details, and to apply to learn more, visit QCC’s MassReconnect website.

Finding What You Need

The fully-searchable SHARE contract is now online, and distribution events for paper copies will be announced very soon. But do you know how to find what you want to know on the SHARE website?

The site is full of other useful information. We recently added a guide to applying for Leaves of Absence to the “Getting Help” page, for example. You can find that, and a whole lot more, by using the site’s search tools. Still have questions? Contact us!

SHARE Contract Is Now Online

Good news! The most recent SHARE-UMass Memorial Contract Agreement is now available!

Coming soon: Get Your Copy of the Red Book

Fresh copies of the latest contract agreement have just arrived from the printer. We’ll soon announce details about contract distribution events if you’d like a hard copy.

What Do Members Most Want to Know?

Want to learn about the most commonly-asked about (and overlooked) aspects of the contract?

Of course, you can always contact your SHARE Organizer or area Rep for help.

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SHARE Updates: Free Surgical Tech Certificate Program, Health Fair, and More

Read on for a series of updates from UMass Memorial that are important to SHARE members . . .

Updates from UMass Memorial Leadership

  • The ARE deadline has been extended to August 31st.  This is an important Joint Commission requirement.  Please be sure to complete them prior to the deadline.

  • Family Fun Day, September 10th 3:00pm-7:00 – for details, please check for an email sent from UMass Memorial on August 2nd.  Be sure to register to reserve your spot. 

The SHARE Union / 50 Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA 01604 / Phone: (508) 929-4020 / Fax: (508) 929-4040