We have been corresponding with WhidbeyHealth regarding the July 1, 2021 1.5% wage increase and 2020 retroactive pay. Our position is that the wage increases need to be implemented per the ratified contract agreement, but WhidbeyHealth’s position is that they will not provide wage increases until all language and wage scale discrepancies are resolved. For this reason, we filed a grievance and unfair labor practice with PERC. We are extremely disappointed with WhidbeyHealth’s position and believe that members need their wage increases and retroactive pay now! Members have been working understaffed through an entire pandemic and they deserve WhidbeyHealth to respect the ratified contract agreement! 

We are following up daily with management and expect to have a payout date by Monday, September 6.

Additionally, we are bargaining with WhidbeyHealth on a COVID-19 vaccine mandate letter of understanding. While we cannot change the Governor’s COVID-19 mandate, we can negotiate over the changes to workplace conditions. An example of a term we are negotiating: members who decline the vaccine will keep their seniority until the mandate is lifted or the caregiver receives the COVID-19 vaccine.