“We proposed competitive increases to wages and differentials that take into account both today’s competitive labor market as well as everything we’ve been through over the last few years. Management said they were disappointed with our aggressive proposal, but we made clear that we refuse to settle for a mediocre contract.” 

Your Bargaining Team: Brett Moore, Cindy Franck, Kimberly Fraser McMillan, Michael Nord, Tammy Olson, and Janice Jones.

Your Bargaining Team met with management again on March 9 to continue negotiations for the St. Michael Medical Center RN contract.  

At this session we finally presented our initial economic proposal to management, which was written to ensure that our wage scale will become (and stay) competitive with neighboring hospitals. We believe that “neighboring hospitals” is not just limited to Tacoma but should also include Seattle competitors that easily recruit nurses to commute across the water.  

We also recognize that St. Joseph Medical Center recently reached an agreement with their employer for an 11% raise, with another 4% in November, plus the removal of multiple ghost steps (years with 0% wage increases). Your Bargaining Team’s proposal was significantly higher than the SJMC agreement and also included the removal of our ghost steps. 

In addition to wage increases, your Bargaining Team proposed a new retention bonus program, increases to various differentials, and new language that would ensure equitable and timely incentive pay.

Our proposal shocked management, who said they were extremely disappointed and “taken aback.” They complained that our proposed increases would make St. Michael Medical Center nurses the highest paid in the entire state. While management is likely right, we believe that serious action is needed to attract and retain nurses.  

We expect to see a counter economic proposal from management during our next bargaining date on April 5. 

Your Bargaining Team invites you to join our official Facebook page to get the latest news regarding contract negotiations.

You’re Invited! 

Attend regular Contract Action Team (CAT) meetings to hear the latest updates regarding negotiations, plan actions to pressure management, and learn how to get your co-workers involved. Our next meeting is being held virtually Wednesday, April 6 @ 6:00PM

Wednesday, April 6

6:00PM

https://zoom.us/join

Contact your Bargaining Team or Union Rep for call-in details. Details will be also emailed out.