J. Kendall Anderson, CEO
John Muir Health System

Dear Board Members and Mr. Anderson,

Attached is a letter that has been sent from the Contra Costa Central Labor Council to all Unions in our county.  Please note that this letter corrects some typographical errors in the letter and attachment we sent to you on August 14.  We expect that in the coming week our affiliated unions will be forwarding, in turn, the letter to each of their members, staff and trustees.

We believe it to be extremely unfortunate that John Muir has adopted such a negative, unreasonable and inflexible bargaining posture toward its own caregivers. 

The decision to reduce health insurance benefits to healthcare workers strikes all of us as an open declaration of war with the whole Labor Movement in Contra Costa.  Management’s announcement last week that you refused SEIU UHW West’s request that the parties return to the bargaining table is simply the last straw.

I would welcome the opportunity to talk with you.  However, given your record of unnecessary hostility toward our Union brothers and sisters since last fall, and your repeated refusals to speak directly with Union or community leaders about this issue, I hold few illusions that you will accept our Council’s invitation to have a dialogue with you. 

Sincerely,

Pamela Aguilar
Executive Director, Contra Costa CLC

CLC Letter 8-18-2006