On this week’s #MemberMonday, we are spotlighting Colleen Morrison, UFCW 21 member and Vascular Tech at MultiCare.

In August, Colleen and her coworkers’ new contract was ratified, increasing their wage scale from 14 steps to 18 steps. In October, Colleen reached out to her union rep to explain that she and several of her coworkers had over 15 years of service with MultiCare and had been stuck at step 14 for some time. Colleen expressed concern that they were not being fairly or adequately compensated for their years of service — especially having spent the last two years on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic as essential healthcare workers.

Colleen found that there was no explicit language in the new contract — nor discussion during negotiations — to audit and adjust these steps to account for long-term workers. Colleen and her coworkers contacted upper management and Labor Relations and were persistent in demanding fair compensation. They pointed out that inadequate wages are a major driving force in the safe staffing and retention crisis.

After much discussion and advocacy, MultiCare agreed to a one-time, non-precedent setting audit and step adjustment for all Vascular Tech members (and per diems) that had been stuck at step 14 for over a year. For Colleen, that meant an adjustment from step 14 to step 18 — that’s an hourly increase of more than 7 dollars! Put another way, that’s an additional $36,000+ over the life of the contract. Most importantly, because of Colleen’s persistence, 5 other members and 3 per diems received adjustments as well because Colleen advocated tirelessly for herself and her coworkers. Since this adjustment, Colleen’s husband has also been able to take some time off from work in order to rest his body.

Colleen — congratulations on this victory! We are so inspired by how you stood up for yourself and for your coworkers. #UnionStrong #Solidarity #RespectProtectPay #EssentialWorkers