Our Bargaining Team proposed a Comprehensive Covid Vaccine Agreement that includes payout of PTO for employees who do not receive an exemption or the vaccine series and protections for all nurses. Through conversations with the Employer—we are pushing them to maintain the October 18 deadline to submit exemptions and proof of starting the vaccine series. We believe we will reach agreement before our next bargaining session on September 22 and will send out a copy to all nurses. 

Staffing, Safety, Recruitment, and Retention continue to be our leading issues—and all tied to the need for Trios to be market competitive with economics. We worked tirelessly to address issues with safety and floating and improve our current language and practices. 

Our first action to show widespread unity is a Staffing Sticker Action on September 21 and 22—the bargaining team stewards will be distributing stickers to each unit. Please wear stickers with pride both days in support of our next bargaining session on the 22. 

If you have questions about negotiations or vaccines, please reach out to your Union Representative Austen Louden, 509-340-7372. 

“The time for UNITY and SOLIDARITY is now—we will be taking action throughout September and October to send a strong message that Trios Nurses stand together for our patients and community. Join us in stepping up and speaking out.”

Our Trios Health Bargaining Team: Casey Nitta, Stephanie Weibel, Milari Olexa, Tami Ottenbreit, and Carol Goplen