News Archive
Mainland hospital eyes Maui Memorial
December 07, 2012
Banner Health, a national non-profit hospital system based in Phoenix, Ariz., is currently in talks with Maui Memorial Medical Center (MMMC) to form a partnership (The Maui Weekly, 11/15/2012).
In a meeting with HGEA on Sept. 17, 2012, Banner Health admitted they prefer not to work with unions. According to the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Banner Health can be considered anti-union. In fact, on Banner Health’s own website, they tout themselves as being union-free because “unionization is not in the best interest of their employees.” This is of great concern to HGEA because of the negative impact this would have on current employees and the loss of protection for pay cuts or layoffs.
To help the union and members gain a clearer understanding of this potential partnership with Banner Health, HGEA sent a letter on Nov. 27, 2012 (see copy of letter) to Wesley Lo, Administrator of MMMC, requesting information about the effect Banner’s potential takeover would have on current employees. To date, no response has been received.
Currently, HGEA is working with our attorneys on this matter.
As we receive any new information about Banner Health and this important issue, we will keep you updated via eBulletin and our website at www.hgea.org.