For two years, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist Ayesha Ali has done the same job at the Novato clinic as her counterparts at MarinHealth’s outpatient clinic, but for substantially less pay, poorer benefits, and fewer workplace protections.
She learned about the disparity only at the end of last year, when she began reviewing job openings at the nonprofit healthcare system based in Marin County. The only difference at the other locations was that those jobs were unionized.
The workers at the MarinHealth Outpatient MRI Clinic joined NUHW in 2023. One year later, they secured a five-year contract that increased pay and placed them on a wage scale based on their years of experience. NUHW has also represented radiology associates at Marin General Hospital in Greenbrae since 2013.
“It didn’t make sense. We have the same job codes, the same qualifications,” Ali said. “You’re working for the same company, doing exactly the same job; they’re 10 miles away, and they’re getting paid $10 more per hour.”
The union and non-union workforces also prevented workers in each group from stepping in to cover shifts when needed.
All those issues are behind them now, after five MRI Techs (two at the Novato clinic and three at the Larkspur location) voted to join NUHW. They will be accreted to the existing Outpatient Clinic contract.
Ali said the three-month organizing effort was stressful at times, but she is hopeful that things will soon improve after the unanimous vote.
“Our spirits have been lifted,” Ali said.
