Jefferson Healthcare RNs We’ve Reached a Tentative Agreement on Our New Contract!

Our RN Union Bargaining Team: Chris Beatty, Emily Bishop, Robin Bridge, Michelle Grimmer 

On December 10 and 11, Our RN Union Bargaining Team met with Hospital Management to continue negotiations. Both sides exchanged comprehensive proposals addressing economic and workplace conditions. Throughout the discussions, we emphasized the urgent need to offer wages and benefits that keep us competitive with nearby facilities like St. Michael Medical Center and Olympic Medical Center.

We’re proud to announce that after two productive days of bargaining, we reached several important tentative agreements.

Here are the highlights:

  • Over 15% in across-the-board wage increases for the life of the contract (2024–2027) plus a ratification bonus.

  • A wage increase reopener clause to adjust if JHC wages fall behind other area hospitals.

  • The Employer will eliminate the $1.72 deduction per 173 compensable hours per month, which previously helped offset health insurance and pension contributions. This change saves nurses approximately $3,500 per year.  

  • A health insurance opt-out option at no cost to staff.

  • An option for additional PTO cashout.

  • Increased premiums and differentials like standby pay.

  • Improved staffing committee language to address concerns proactively.

  • Enhanced scheduling language to improve staffing. 

  • Bonus shift pay is no longer at the Employer’s discretion. The agreement includes clear parameters for bonus shifts, with enhanced incentives for picking up shifts on short notice (less than 24 hours).

  • These agreements represent significant progress toward retaining and recruiting skilled nursing staff and ensuring we remain competitive. 

Next Steps

We’re now preparing for the contract vote. Join us for a contract update meeting on December 17 from 6pm to 8pm to go over the details of the agreement. Voting will take place later in December, in-person at the Hospital. 

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82574969316?pwd=hrvPtoeDohrqzx1anbLXUzbmRM7qax.1

Meeting ID: 825 7496 9316
Passcode: 893428

To vote, you must be a union dues-paying member in good standing.

Our Union Bargaining Committee recommends a “YES” vote on this contract. Together, we’ve made our voices heard, and this agreement provides solutions for our staffing needs. 

Stay tuned for more details about the contract vote!

Please contact Kimberly Starkweather, new Union rep, 206-436-6515 if you have any questions, workplace concerns, or disciplinary issues.