In 2019, WhidbeyHealth and the Pro-Tech/LPN and Support Services bargaining units reached a one-year contract agreement. At that time, the Hospital asked for a “longer runway” so that they could sort out their finances and plan for annual wage increases for 2020 and 2021.We granted them more time and decided we would fight for fair wage increases in 2020. 

We expected to begin bargaining in 2020, but the pandemic delayed bargaining and the Hospital did not respond to our requests to meet. After threatening to file charges against the Hospital for their unresponsiveness, we met with them early January 2021 to begin bargaining. 

We made proposals to improve contract language and increase premium pay. We were supposed to meet with the Hospital on February 3 to present our wage proposal, but the Hospital cancelled bargaining. The Hospital told us that they had negative three days of “cash at hand” (liquid money). This was the same excuse they made in 2019! We believe that they have negative days of “cash at hand,” but believe is unfair of Management to ask us to wait for wage increases when Management has received substantial increases since 2019. Our units have received no cost of living increases since 2018 and are having problems recruiting and retaining staff because of it! 

We think enough is enough! We must take action and hold WhidbeyHealth accountable! 

The Hospital is claiming “unprofitability,” meaning that they are making a profit, but not as much as they hoped for. On top of that, they are directing money towards Management’s salaries and other projects, instead of spending money on our wages! 

We are asking for all UFCW 21 members to attend the March 10 WhidbeyHealth board meeting and tell the board that we need wage increases and a fair contract now! We also will be asking community and labor organizations to support us in our contract fight and will be planning public facing actions in the upcoming weeks. For more information about contract negotiations and actions, please join us via Zoom on March 3 @ 6PM. 

If you have workplace or disciplinary issues, please contact your union rep, Adrian Noel at anoel@ufcw21.org or 360-419-4677. 

— In solidarity, Your Pro/Tech/LPN and Support Services Bargaining Team