UTAH

Healthcare workers petition University of Utah Health

Sep 25, 2024, 4:00 PM

Follow @KSLdbrinkerhoff...

SALT LAKE CITY — Members of Utah Health Care Workers United want to see change. They’ve gathered over 2,000 signatures on a petition asking University of Utah Health hospitals and clinics to address a number of issues related to worker welfare. 

Specifically, they’ve asked U of U Health to address income disparities, increase parental leave, paid time off, and sick days. They also want affordable parking for employees. 

University of Utah Health employees want transparent wages, sick leave

Jessica Stauffer, a nurse, said that senior workers have been forced to train new employees who get paid the same amount. 

“Staff are very upset, overall. They are noticing what’s going on and it’s very hard to get a transparent wage set up,” said Stauffer. “But what we’re finding is the senior staff aren’t being paid appropriately for their years. [The hospital is] hiring new staff and training them instead of maintaining … senior employees.”

Ian Decker, a food services employee, said U of U Health’s current sick leave policy is causing workers to go in while they are sick. 

“So right now we are allowed five days within a calendar year, where we can call in last minute and if we can’t find a replacement that gets added onto that five. Once we hit six, we begin undertaking disciplinary action,” said Decker. “What that means is that if you’re able to walk, regardless of you are [sick], you typically come into work because you never know [if] you’re going to get [more] sick.”

Unionizing at University of Utah Health

The group of healthcare workers is asking for a separate bank for sick days and paid time off. 

According to Decker, they’re also asking to be recognized as a union. 

“I really hope that they come around on this position and decide to meet with us. We are a union and we’re going to act like one. We want you to sit down with us and negotiate with us,” said Decker.

“If you do this, we’ll do so happily and readily. But the staff here are extremely resilient and determined. [They] are serious about standing up for ourselves and our patients, and if you only give us one path ie: forcing you to sit down with us, we will take it and do the work necessary.”

U of U Health responds

In an email to KSL Newsradio, University of Utah Health responded. 

“At University of Utah Health, we value open dialogue and are happy to engage with employees who have concerns about their work environment.  As a preferred employer, we take care of one another just as we take care of our patients.” 

The statement continued by saying that in 2024, every employee received an annual pay increase. Full and part-time employees who work in manager-level positions or lower received a parking stipend. 

Additionally, they “regularly” review local and national data on compensation to ensure they are offering competitive pay. 

U of U Health said that it “cannot formally recognize organizations for collective bargaining purposes.” However, the organization is committed to collaborative efforts, listening, and transparency. 

“Retaining our talented care teams is a top priority. We regularly engage with them to better understand and meet their needs. There are avenues for employees to meet with leadership on an individual basis to discuss ideas or concerns,” read the statement. 

Related:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Utah

A West Haven house fire killed one person on Feb. 11...

Mariah Maynes and Brian Carlson

West Haven house fire kills 1 person

One person is dead following a house fire in West Haven, Utah.

5 hours ago

Migrating swans fly in a Utah waterfowl management area. (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)...

Mariah Maynes

Migrating swans will soon soar through Utah, here are 3 places you can see them

As warmer weather approaches, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources recommends three areas to view migrating swans.

8 hours ago

Officials from the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District said integrating more water from groundwa...

Heather Peterson

Chlorine smell and taste still plaguing Weber Basin water users

Two weekends ago, the rain that hit the frozen Wasatch Back brought naturally-occurring organic materials into the Weber Basin Watershed.

9 hours ago

BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe will be retiring after the 2024-25 athletics season....

Mitch Harper, KSL Sports

BYU Athletic Director Tom Holmoe to retire after 2024-25 season

PROVO, Utah – It’s the end of an era for BYU athletics as Tom Holmoe is set to retire after the 2024-25 season. Holmoe announced the decision on Tuesday. The former BYU football defensive back has been BYU’s athletic director for 20 years. BYU’s athletic season concludes this May. Breaking: BYU announces that AD Tom Holmoe […]

9 hours ago

Police lights in Salt Lake City....

Mariah Maynes

Multi-vehicle crash caused heavy delays in Lehi

A multi-vehicle car crash is causing significant delays on I-15 southbound in Lehi.

10 hours ago

Huntsville, in Weber County, Utah, is pictured on Oct. 6, 2021. A delivery driver died Tuesday, a d...

Collin Leonard, KSL.com

Officials identify delivery driver killed after being crushed by vehicle near Huntsville

The woman worked for a third-party company contracting with the Postal Service and was using her own vehicle, Weber County officials said.

10 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Healthcare workers petition University of Utah Health