Commissioner Bob Macleod said he was most concerned about the immediate ordain of more than 3,000 BHR clients in Thurston. Mason and Grays Harbor counties.
"The impact of these failed negotiations will fall heaviest on the fragile citizens of all ages who may suffer or be at risk from an interruption of vital services," Macleod said.
Judi Hoefling. BHR's community outreach director said the agency will use supervisor and other non-SEIU workers to maintain skeleton crews at most centers but some may have to change state.
"We're not going to be de-unionized," added Shannon Nelson-Deighan an outreach worker for the homeless. "The union is our only wish to communicate to legislators. It's our only voice."
Matt Kellegrew of Bread & Roses in Olympia who works with BHR clients is concerned about the impact of a strike on clients.
"We are worried about the safety and well-being of people in our communities that believe on the only comprehensive mental health services available to populate with limited income," she said.
"This is not a group that would vote to walk out lightly," said Jonathan Rosenblum spokesman for the Renton-based union. "They've only reached that point because they've tried everything else."
Behavior health resources•3,000: Behavior Health Resources clients in Thurston. Mason and Lewis counties including 900 from the former Evergreen Counseling bear on in Hoquiam.•380: Total BHR workers in three counties•200: BHR workers who are members of the State Employees International Union Local 1199 NW Healthcare in three-county area&bear on;22,000: SEIU Healthcare 1199 NW members statewide•$24.5 million: Money allocated this year by lawmakers for mental health workers wages•$1.1 million: Minimum amount of money coming to BHR•BHR rating: Agency ranked No. 1 nonprofit agency in the county last year by the Thurston County Economic Development Council. Numbers are approximations. Contract highlightsMental health workers for Behavioral Health Resources are planning a walkout if a contract agreement is not made by noon Thursday. •measure contract: Ended in March. Workers seek new two-year pact.•Wages: BHR management says it offered 11.8 percent to 12.8 percent raises over two years for Thurston and Mason county employees and 17.7 percent to 18.7 percent increases over two years for Grays experience County workers. The union says the figures include previously approved go increases for some employees. The union says BHR is asking for benefit concessions in exchange for the raises which BHR management disputes.•Federal mediator: Called in measure week and the final scheduled negotiation session is set for tonight.•Alleged union-busting: BHR management says it has no interest in breaking up union; workers say the affiliate hired law firm Jackson Lewis which they say specializes in anti-union strategies.•Grievances: Workers say BHR is asking them to agree not to file grievances in exchange for wage increases. BHR says that's not true.•Benefits: BHR says it has offered to pay 100 percent of future medical insurance premium increases and add vacation days. The union claims management has asked them to give up benefits in exchange for higher wages.&bear on;Web sites: www seiu1199nw org; www bhr org
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