EvergreenHealth Kirkland - Management’s math doesn't add up

During our bargaining session on Wednesday, August 23, we engaged in discussions with Management regarding strategies to enhance our competitive stance in terms of wages compared to other local hospitals.

In particular, we suggested the concept of eliminating the initial two steps of our wage scale, subsequently adjusting the positions of most members along the scale. This idea aimed to establish a more attractive entry wage and to ensure substantial wage progression for existing members. Regrettably, Management displayed limited interest and ultimately declined to entertain our proposition.

Our objective remains the retention of current staff and the effective recruitment of new members to address the significant staffing issues at EvergreenHealth Kirkland. Management has consistently reiterated that the challenges in recruitment are prevalent across the industry, not exclusive to Evergreen.

However, we shared our extensive research on wages with Management and told them that our review of wages showed that Evergreen was paying below the market standard. We highlighted that our analysis revealed Evergreen's compensation rates to be below the median for numerous job roles, particularly when contrasted with wages offered by Seattle hospitals.

Management countered that they had already given a wage increase in 2023 and that no additional funding is budgeted for our wage increase this year. They frequently cite the 6% wage hike that was instituted in January for most job classifications.

It's worth noting that numerous emails sent to employees during January referred to this increment as a "market increase," implying that Management had conducted research on wage trends at neighboring hospitals and concluded that a 6% increase was sufficient. We believe this adjustment falls short of addressing the issue, as evidenced by the continued departure of Evergreen staff for better-paying alternatives.

Management has asked for mediation, and our team is currently reviewing this option. While our next bargaining dates are not yet set, we'll inform you as soon as we decide on the mediator and our schedule. Meanwhile, reach out to your Union Steward to get "Our Retention Needs Attention" stickers to wear at work, demonstrating our united support for a fair contract.

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For additional information contact Union Rep Jack Crow @ 206-436-6614.