Jackson – As reported last Friday, about 20 “non-professional” nurses, pharmacists and family members picketed in front of Sutter Amador Hospital on November 6th to draw attention to union contract negotiations under way later that day. Theresa Talbert, a critical care registered nurse at the hospital, said the 100-plus employees considered “non-professional” by their parent union, the Service Employees International Union, are members of its subgroup, the United Healthcare Workers West union. Talbert said they are not on strike but rather holding an informational picket, to tell people that they have not had a contract in almost 2 years. She said UHW workers and family stood on the picket starting at 7 a.m. and were wrapping up the demonstration at 10 a.m. UHW includes registered nurses or workers from physical therapy, medical surgery, critical care and pharmacy. Talbert said they are “just trying to get a completed contract” and they think the hospital is “stalling.” She was going to negotiations later that day at the Holiday Inn Express, with UHW members from Sutter Amador Hospital, RN Debbie Cheney, pharmacist Todd Berg and union representative Beth Haddorf. They would be negotiating with the corporate representative. She said they have had a lot good contract language added, but differ in raises. Talbert said workers are seeking a 4 percent raise, while Sutter Amador Hospital is offering a 1.25 percent increase, a 2.25 percent increase for RNs, and a 20-cent raise for physical therapists, which she said is “quite insulting.” She said the Jackson workers’ wages are 14-18 percent below much of Northern California counterparts at other hospitals. She said Mark Twain Hospital’s similar workers earn only 6-9 percent more that the Jackson workers. Talbert said: “Even if we get what we’re asking for, which is 4 percent, we’re still not ahead of anybody.” She said it is hard to keep people at the Jackson hospital, and using substitutes “puts patients at risk.” Sutter Amador Hospital CEO Ann Platt said she was disappointed that the union members did not give the hospital 10 days’ notice that they were going to picket, as required, so the hospital can notify the authorities, employees and patients. Platt said they have been in negotiations since June, and have had 7 sessions since then. They also meet twice more this month. Platt said raise offers are “not quite so significant this year,” due to the economic climate. She said the hospital is very committed to working with the SEIU’s UHW workers. Platt said: “We certainly value our employees and want to make sure that we meet their needs.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jackson – About 20 “non-professional” nurses, pharmacists and family members picketed in front of Sutter Amador Hospital today (Friday, November 6th) to draw attention to union contract negotiations under way later today. Theresa Talbert, a critical care registered nurse at the hospital, said the 100-plus employees considered “non-professional” by their parent union, the Service Employees International Union, are members of its subgroup, the United Healthcare Workers West union. Talbert said they are not on strike but rather holding an informational picket, to tell people that they have not had a contract in almost 2 years. She said UHW workers and family stood on the picket starting at 7 a.m. and were wrapping up the demonstration at 10 a.m. UHW includes registered nurses or workers from physical therapy, medical surgery, critical care and pharmacy. Talbert said they are “just trying to get a completed contract” and they think the hospital is “stalling.” She was going to negotiations later today at the Holiday Inn Express, with UHW members from Sutter Amador Hospital, RN Debbie Cheney, pharmacist Todd Berg and union representative Beth Haddorf. They would be negotiating with the corporate representative. She said they have had a lot good contract language added, but differ in raises. Talbert said workers are seeking a 4 percent raise, while Sutter Amador Hospital is offering a 1.25 percent increase, a 2.25 percent increase for RNs, and a 20-cent raise for physical therapists, which she said is “quite insulting.” She said the Jackson workers’ wages are 14-18 percent below much of Northern California counterparts at other hospitals. She said Mark Twain Hospital’s similar workers earn only 6-9 percent more that the Jackson workers. Talbert said: “Even if we get what we’re asking for, which is 4 percent, we’re still not ahead of anybody.” She said it is hard to keep people at the Jackson hospital, and using substitutes “puts patients at risk.” Sutter Amador Hospital CEO Ann Platt said she was disappointed that the union members did not give the hospital 10 days’ notice that they were going to picket, as required, so the hospital can notify the authorities, employees and patients. Platt said they have been in negotiations since June, and have had 7 sessions since then. They also meet twice more this month. Platt said raise offers are “not quite so significant this year,” due to the economic climate. She said the hospital is very committed to working with the SEIU’s UHW workers. Platt said: “We certainly value our employees and want to make sure that we meet their needs.” Story by Jim Reece. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jackson - The Friends of the Amador County Library (FACL) pulled in profits and new members during their fall used book sale to benefit Amador County libraries. In total, approximately $1,784.10 was raised and the group recruited 26 new members. All proceeds, together with funds collected previously, will go towards the purchase of books and computer-related items on the 2009 “library wish list.” These include two early-literacy computer stations with software through children in kindergarten through fourth grade, a new computer for the children’s section, additional shelving for the adult non-fiction area and an $850 World Book Encyclopedia collection. The biggest challenge will be a new children’s section, describes as a “multi-year challenge.” The event took place at the American Legion Hall, who donated their space, along with assistance from the Pine Grove Youth Conservatory Camp and Altera Realty, who provided a truck. “We are very grateful to all our supporters for making this event possible,” said FACL President Susan Staggs in a monthly bulletin. One big supporter was Umpqua Bank, who donated and prepared hotdogs for FACL members at the event. Fall has so far been a big season for FACL. The group was designated by the Mother Lode Newcomers Club as one of two recipients for their annual philanthropy award. “It is quite an honor given the large number of worthy non-profits in Amador County,” said Staggs. The award includes an as yet unspecified donation, to be awarded in May 2010. It will further assist in purchasing items on the wish list. Another book sale is scheduled for May 14-16, 2010. Another upcoming event will be the “Tellabration” at the Main Library in Jackson on November 21 from 11 am until 2 pm. It is described as “a worldwide storytelling event.” For large donations of books, call Susan Staggs at 296-0940 or Helen Bierce at 267-0855. Visit www.co.amador.ca.us/depts/library for more information on library services and the Friends of Amador County Library group. A TSPN TV Staff Report This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Martell – The American Legion Post 108 of Amador County will host a free community barbecue to honor United States armed forces veterans, set for Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11th. Chaplain Dave Smith said the Legion selected the middle of the week and the actual day of Veterans Day for the barbecue for this year’s celebration. Past American Legion Post 108 Commander Tony Zelinski said that Congressman Dan Lungren will be in attendance, and they expect members of the Amador County Board of Supervisors and local city and county government to attend. The barbecue is free, and there will be a donation jar. The bar will be open and the barbecue starts at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 11th. Incahoots Restaurant of Plymouth will be catering, with ribs and chicken and fixings. Zelinski said despite Amador being the smallest county in the state, Amador County American Legion Post 108 boasts the third largest American Legion organization in California. He said it has 1,300 members, a high percentage of whom are also dual members of the Ione-based Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8254. Zelinski said the very active membership shows in its fundraisers, such as a breakfast hosted by Smith, which raised $1,200 for veterans and needy families. But Zelinski said the Veterans Day Barbecue is just a community meal to honor veterans, and while Memorial Day remembers the fallen soldiers, Veterans Day gives honor to those veterans who are living. A Veterans Day parade will also take place in Jackson on Main Street on November 11 at 10 am. It will include marching bands, flag ceremonies and the American Legion Riders, among other guests. Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day, in commemoration of those who fought during World War I. The holiday was first established on November 11, 1919 through a proclamation signed by President Woodrow Wilson. In 1953, an Emporia, Kansas shop owner began a campaign to turn Armistice Day into a day to celebrate all veterans of all wars. With help from his congressman, a bill was passed through Congress and signed by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1954 signifying this change. Later that year, a second bill was passed officially changing the name of the holiday to Veterans Day. This year, the holiday falls on a Wednesday. There are an estimated 24.9 million veterans currently living in the United States. American Legion Hall is at 12134 Airport Road in Martell, off Highway 49 at the Airport Road intersection. Story by Jim Reece and Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.