On January 11, we met with Providence for our fifth bargaining session. Providence responded to the remaining non-economic articles: definitions, employment practices, seniority, hours of work and overtime, and leaves of absence. We are close to an agreement on most of these articles except for the lay-off procedure. Providence has proposed to use bargaining unit seniority instead of job classification seniority in determining which employees would be laid off. As an example, a PCC who becomes an RN and has seven years of service, but only one year of experience as an RN, would bump an RN who has five years of service. We believe using job classification seniority is a better approach for a lay-off.

Providence also responded to our economic proposal with a 1.5% increase in 2022, 1.5% increase in 2023, and 2% in 2024. Additionally, their base rates are less than the current minimum rates for each classification! Their wage scale and across the board increases will not retain or recruit workers. Radiantcare workers would be earning several dollars less than the same classifications at Providence Centralia, Everett, and St. Peter’s. We must take action to show Providence that their wage proposal is not acceptable, and we deserve the same wage rates as Centralia, Everett, and St. Peter’s!

We will be holding a car sign action on Thursday, January 20 at all three clinics. Please ask one of your Bargaining Team members for a car sign which you can display on your windshield and for a sticker that you can wear daily until January 27. Let’s show Providence that we are UNITED, and we will fight for a fair wage scale!

If you are available, please join us on the sidewalk in front of the Centralia clinic @ 1pm- 2pm and Lacey clinic @ 3pm- 4pm on Thursday, January 20.

If you have comments, workplace issues, or are facing disciplinary action, please contract your Union Rep Erin McCoy @ (206) 436-6598 (landline).

Bargaining Team: Kelly Covington (RN), Winter Everson (Radiation Therapist), Branden Raftery (Dosimetrist), and Paul Lofing (Radiation Therpaist)