Regarding contract negotiations and the possibility of a job action, what would happen to my pay and to benefits like health coverage and tuition assistance if I were to participate?
Generally in a work action, striking employees lose pay and benefits as a result. These benefits include the employer’s contribution to health plans, although strikers can usually keep their coverage active by paying the total cost of coverage (similar to a COBRA situation). As points of reference, Washington Hospital Center pays 80% of the health premium for individual coverage, 75% for individual-plus-one coverage and 68% for group coverage. The Hospital Center also offers tuition benefits of up to $10,000 annually for full time nurses, $7,500 for weekend (WIN) nurses and $5,000 for eligible part time nurses. Q: Can I file for unemployment if I participate in a job action? A: In the District of Columbia, workers who vote to go on strike are considered to be voluntary strikers and are not eligible for unemployment benefits. Q: Why are we hearing so much talk about strikes? A: We can’t speak for the union, but the Hospital Center’s goal is to keep working to reach agreement with the un
