The Issue

Petition for Equal Pay for All Staff 
 
We, the direct patient care givers practicing within this organization, are petitioning on behalf of our peers that we work with on a daily basis. Procedural staff were not considered when the new shift differential change was constructed and implemented into this organization. These staff members work “undesirable hours” as previously decided by this organization. Staff throughout the hospital were also not included in the immense pay raise other nurses received. These staff members work diligently for the betterment of patients and deserve the same appreciation as those spotlighted with the salary increase.
 
Issue: The issue at hand is the financial impact this change is having on staff. Many nurses, who have been here for years, are now receiving 4-5% of a salary decrease. This is a tremendous financial burden for loyal employees. New findings have found this salary decrease has been paired with a tremendous salary increase for selective nurses. In addition, this is affecting the ability to maintain staff in procedural areas. The lack of appreciation for staff across the hospital has the potential to create massive loss in other departments besides med-surg. We depend on staff retention to provide quality care for our patients.  
 
We believe that taking action on this issue is crucial for the betterment of this organization. Currently, the morale in UnityPoint within all departments is diminished. The working environment has became toxic and full of despair. This is not the image UnityPoint has strived to achieve nor best for patients. The signatories below have joined together in support of this cause, seeking your assistance in enacting the necessary changes. 
 
Our Requests: 
Since it has been communicated to staff that the four-hour requirement will not be changed, there leaves one option:
Supplement procedural staffs’ wages to accommodate the loss of income from this change and to make wages fair for all nurses within the organization.
 
We are determined to create a positive impact and strongly believe that your involvement can make a significant difference. This petition is a result of a collection of staff signatures, voicing their support for change within this organization. 
 
We are desperate to believe in this organization again. Thank you for your attention. We eagerly anticipate a favorable response and the chance to collaborate towards the advancement of UnityPoint staff and their morale. 
 
Sincerely, 
Staff of UnityPoint Health