LAP Area Reports

LAP 8/2018 Jenny Ho

Serious issues continue with the ULS platform, including delays in releasing jobs and double-booking. In addition to the union, please continue to direct your questions and concerns on the ULS transition to [email protected] and to 800-562-3022.

The union reached a tentative agreement for the 2019-2021 collective bargaining agreement in July. The agreement includes strong gains, including rate increases, a $2.00 premium for DSHS and DCYF appointments (excluding block appointments) and mileage reimbursement for DSHS and DCYF appointments, and application of the late cancellation pay to appointments that end earlier than originally scheduled. Ratification vote instructions here: https://wfse.org/lap-ratification

LAP 7/2018 Jenny Ho

Serious issues continue with the ULS platform, including delays in releasing jobs and double-booking. Due to the work of union leadership and many calls from members to HCA and ULS, all members should have been transferred to the ULS platform on July 2. Those that still have outstanding documents that need to be submitted to ULS will be provisionally approved for 30 days. All interpreters still missing documents have been notified by ULS and interpreters will have 30 days to upload the documents. In addition to the union, please continue to direct your questions and concerns on the ULS transition to [email protected] and to 800-562-3022.

The union reached a tentative agreement for the 2019-2021 collective bargaining agreement. The agreement includes strong gains, including rate increases, a premium and mileage reimbursement for social appointments, and application of late cancellation pay to appointments that end early. Instructions for ratification voting will be sent to membership in August.

LAP 5/16/18 Jenny Ho

There is daily communication between the union and HCA concerning the transition to the ULS platform. A number of serious issues have arisen, including a delay in transferring about 700 members to the ULS platform, communication of erroneous information to interpreters from ULS, a delay in releasing jobs on to the platform and more. Due to the work of union leadership and many calls from members to HCA and ULS, all members will be transferred to the ULS platform on July 2. Those that still have outstanding documents that need to be submitted to ULS will be provisionally approved for 30 days. All interpreters still missing documents have been notified by ULS and interpreters will have 30 days to upload the documents. In addition to the union, please continue to direct your questions and concerns on the ULS transition to [email protected] and to 800-562-3022.

There were two bargaining sessions with the State in June. Open issues include compensation and professional development and training.

LAP 5/16/18 Jenny Ho

There is ongoing information exchange between the union and HCA concerning the transition to a new third party contract with its apparent successful bidder, ULS. HCA has committed to transparency through biweekly calls and frequent email exchange. The union also presented a number of questions about ULS at the UMC, held early May.

The current third party coordinating entity, LanguageLink, will not be providing any interpreter information directly to ULS. Interpreters will have to provide vaccination information to ULS. Any jobs that are currently pending interpreter approval for payment need to be approved as soon as possible. LanguageLink’s contract with the state will be terminated by the end of June.

The UMC also included discussion on possible changes to the release of block time jobs on the portal in order to increase fill rates.

The union has received notification that Eastern State Hospital will be offering a new safety training for interpreters. The hospital intends to offer the first safety orientations on June 25 at 1 pm and June 27 at 1 pm.

The LAP bargaining team held bargaining training, proposal vetting, language review and three bargaining sessions with the State in May. The team presented very strong economic proposals, with significant rate increases and substantial improvement to late cancellation payments.  The team also proposed increasing required training and continuing education for interpreters.

LAP 4/16/18 Jenny Ho:  Several information requests have been sent to HCA concerning its apparent successful bidder, ULS. HCA has committed to biweekly calls to answer questions and to ensure a smooth transition to the new contract.

The union has received notification of new safety training at Eastern Washington. Information is out to members for review. Training is expected to begin in June.

LAP 4/16/18 Jenny Ho:  A conference call was held to discuss HCA’s process change request in relation to Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) Services. HCA agreed to work with the contractor to ensure members are aware that they can provide services via phone or VRI. A follow-up meeting or call will be scheduled.

LAP 2/19/18 Jenny Ho: Bargaining training is scheduled for March 5th and 6th and proposal vetting scheduled for March 14th and 15th. Demand to bargain is being scheduled to address HCA’s process change request in relation to Video Remote Interpreting Services.

LAP 2/19/18 Ron Heley

We held yet another UMCC where we again addressed serious issues in scheduling, CTS/LL software hiccups, and training at the two state hospitals.  We expect substantial software improvements with the next vendor contract in July.