Seattle Children's Hospital - Bargaining Dates Scheduled

Bargaining at Seattle Children’s Hospital is just around the corner with December 14 confirmed as our first day of negotiations.

We have finalized our Bargaining Team and are working to schedule a proposal meeting prior to negotiations so that we can work on formalizing our proposed changes to the contract. As part of the process, we have requested that Management release the Bargaining Team for the proposal meeting so that we can effectively prepare for negotiations. While Management has agreed to release the Bargaining Team for a prep session, it took weeks of debate to fulfill such a simple request.

While not surprising, Management’s behavior even before our first meeting is a warning signal that shows us that we cannot expect them to be cooperative during negotiations. We have several critical issues to resolve such as ensuring that our wage scales are market competitive, addressing our staffing crisis, and fighting for fair and equitable treatment among many other important issues. If Management struggled to agree to a Bargaining Team prep session, we need to be prepared for a serious fight on everything else.

There are a few actions you can take to get ready:

The most impactful action would be to join your Contract Action Team (CAT) today by reaching out to a Bargaining Team member or your Union Representative Christie Harris. Having high involvement within your Contract Action Team is crucial in winning a strong contract. Attend regular CAT meetings to hear the latest updates regarding negotiations, plan actions to pressure Management, and get your co-workers involved. Our first meeting will be held virtually on December 6.

Sign up for a Steward training! Every department needs strong Stewards – both right now and between negotiations. In Steward training, you will learn your rights and protections and how to push back against unfair practices by Management. You will also learn how to represent a coworker in a disciplinary meeting and uphold your contract. To sign up for a training,go to: ufcw21.org/steward-training

We will be circulating Seattle Children’s Union buttons and stickers, as well as lanyards and more to your workplaces soon. Showing Union pride in the workplace shows Management that you are visible, you are unified, and it helps send a strong message to Management that you are ready to fight for a strong contract. We will be following up soon with days and times when everything is ready.

Get connected to the campaign through social media!
https://www.instagram.com/schworkers/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/schtechsunion/

Hear from the Bargaining Team about negotiations and join our online Contract Meeting:

Monday, December 6
4:30 PM
Contact your Bargaining Team or Union Rep for Zoom meeting details. Details will also be emailed.

For questions, please contact your Union Rep Christie Harris @ (206) 436-6606