On December 7, we met with Providence and expected that they would have thoughtful counterproposals. Instead, they responded with current contract language and called us “unprepared.” We were more than prepared and take bargaining seriously. After all this is OUR union contract, which affects OUR workplace, livelihood, and families.

Providence has responded to several contract proposals with current contract language. With these proposals, they are signaling that they intend to do what they proposed back in springtime. They want to essentially extend the contract with current language and provide a wage increase. The reality is that this is not a suitable solution.

We currently have several open and past grievances around language interpretation like management rights, definitions, employment practices, seniority, hours of work and overtime, compensation, and nursing education/license. Given this, we need to change current contract language to avoid future grievances. We don’t agree with Providence that the status quo is working. It clearly is not!

We currently have made many thoughtful proposals and hope Providence starts listening that current contract language will not due!

We will have our next contract action team meeting on December 15 @ 8PM where we will be talking about bargaining more in-depth. Also we will be launching a financial transparency petition at Providence Centralia, St. Peter’s, and Everett to hold Providence accountable. We will also have a banner action in the next two months to stand in solidarity with the other hospitals during bargaining.

If you want to participate in these actions or need more car signs, please contact your union rep, Anthony Cantu—acantu@ufcw21.org or 206-436-6566.   

In solidarity, Your RN Bargaining Team: Juan Stout, ER; Kimball Conlon, ER; Betsy Bourg, Glasgow; Cindi Dyson, Float Pool; Bill Hisaw, OR; Jenney Gannon, L&D; Madison Hamilton