MultiCare Auburn Medical Center RNs: Bargaining makes some progress

“Our bargaining sessions do not appear to be a major priority on the Employer’s schedule” ― Our Bargaining Team: Cory Larsen, Kathleen Vukelich, Caroline Bellinger

We met with the Employer again on August 24 hoping for a more productive meeting than we’ve had in the past. Unsurprising, we were disappointed.

While the Employer did provide their first economic counteroffer, they have still failed to respond to a number of our other proposals that were provided to them over a month ago. This only adds to our frustration with Management after their delays on getting dates scheduled in the first place. The Mary Bridge nurses, whose contract was scheduled to expire the same day as ours, have had double the bargaining dates as we have had. Are we not a priority to MultiCare?

However, there is good news to report. Management’s first economic response was not bad, especially considering that an initial economic offer from an employer is usually insultingly low. Their proposal would put our wage scale at about market standard, slightly above the RN scale at a neighboring hospital. This is a surprising initial offer, but your Bargaining Team is pushing for a contract that will remain competitive over the next couple years.

Our Bargaining Team will meet with Management again on September 8, 14, 22 and 29.

Contract Action Team Meeting!

Join your Bargaining Team at our first virtual Contract Action Team (CAT) meeting on September 8 at 6:30pm. Hear the latest from negotiations, have your questions answered, and learn how you can help us win a fair contract.

September 8, 2021 6:30PM