Strike Averted as MPTF and Union Announce Cooling-Off Period

6:23 PM PDT 3/15/2013 by Jonathan Handel

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The parties will negotiate during the next 60 days toward a deal.

The Motion Picture and Television Fund and the union representing 500 of its employees, SEIU-UHW, jointly announced Friday a 60-day cooling-off period during which time the two organizations will continue to negotiate toward a collective-bargaining agreement. The announcement was made by Bob Beitcher, MPTF CEO, and Dave Regan, President of SEIU-UHW.

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"I’m pleased we were able to reach this time out," said Beitcher. "After speaking at length with Dave, I feel more optimistic that the two sides can figure a way to reach a mutually satisfactory conclusion."

"I am confident that we can reach an agreement that will continue to make MPTF a great place to receive and deliver care," Regan said.

SEIU-UHW has rescinded its intent to strike at MPTF for three days starting the evening of Monday, March 18. Both parties have also agreed to withdraw their Unfair Labor Practice claims at this time.

SEIU-UHW has also chosen to withdraw its bargaining proposal regarding nurse staffing levels. The remaining issues in the ongoing labor dispute concern wage rates, proposed new health-insurance premiums, and a proposed freeze of employees’ existing pension plan.

The announcement came just a few hours after the union announced the filing of a Labor Board complaint against the MPTF.

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