We think it is important that we take the time to understand some of facts about these issues. The 12-hour shift question is on the other side of the leaflet. Per Diems are not a casual workforce. Their distribution in each unit is varied and this objective fact accounts for some of the different views our members have. In units where the Per Diems make up a lot of the workforce, there is more of a desire for greater rights for Per Diem staff than in units where Per Diems make up a small proportion of the RNs.
Units make annual determinations by majority vote of how to do daily call-offs.
No Improved Bidding Rights for Per Diems Benefited Staff should always bid before Per Diem Staff because the Benefited Staff make more of a commitment to the hospital than does PD staff. If Per Diems want to bid like Benefited Staff, they should bid on Benefited Positions. The rule giving Per Diems with 15 years of service the right to bid on the same basis as Benefited Staff is enough. If commitment is the issue as measured in length of service or hours of work, then this principle argues for an improvement. Some Per Diems have worked more hours at MGH and longer than some Benefited Staff.