Multicare Health System - Off-Week Update: We’re Ready For Action!
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MultiCare management spent this week trying to divide and confuse us, releasing their sub-par wage proposal and trying to convince workers that it’s just good enough to keep us quiet.
We are spending this week and next preparing for action.
We know management’s current wage proposal isn’t good enough. Many of us drive past other hospitals and clinics on our way to work, knowing they are paying their staff better than MultiCare. Our bargaining team has come to every session prepared with market comparisons, research, and member surveys that inform the proposals we make. Based on member feedback and our commitment to getting the best deal possible for every member, in every department, at every facility, we are pushing for more money for everyone in the form of higher across-the-board wage increases. That is what will make MultiCare market competitive. That is what will keep experienced staff here and recruit new people to increase staffing and share the load.
As we have progressed through negotiations, one thing is clear: They know they are undervaluing our work and experience. They continue to offer across-the-board wages that are insufficient even as we spend time and energy on careful analysis of regional health care contracts to ensure our proposals are realistic and competitive.
But we can make them hear us. It’s time to get even louder, take action to call attention to their behavior, and more than ever to stand side by side with our colleagues as we fight for what’s fair.
NEXT STEPS:
Today, we gave the employer 10 days notice of our intent to hold an informational picket on Wednesday, June 12, outside Tacoma General. This is a way that we can bring their behavior to light, invite our community to join us in holding management accountable, and stand together as we make our voices heard.
In addition, we let the employer know that we will not be extending our contract past its current expiration date of May 31. When we let a contract expire, it’s a powerful sign to management that they can’t keep stringing us along, and it gives us the opportunity to take more decisive action in the future. Management will almost certainly try to scare members about what it means for our contract to expire. It is against the law for your employer to change any condition of your employment, even when the contract is expired, without bargaining with the union. Learn more about this at the Town Hall.
CALENDAR OF ACTIONS:
Tuesday, June 4
MultiCare Member Telephone Town Hall
7:00 PM
We will call the phone number we have on file for you on Tuesday at 7:00 PM. When the phone rings, just pick it up and you’ll join the live town hall call where you can get the latest updates, ask questions, and hear from the bargaining team. If you miss the call or don’t receive one, you can call in any time after 7:00 PM: Dial (877) 365-5237 and enter Meeting ID 8002.
Wednesday, June 5
Contract Action Team Meetings
9:00 AM (Virtual)
12:00 PM (In Person)
>> Join the virtual CAT meeting here
Join the noon lunch-hour meeting in the Bunker Conference Room at Tacoma General.
Wednesday, June 5
Picket Sign Making Party!
5:00-7:00 PM
>> RSVP Here
Join us to prepare for our Informational Picket on June 12. Stop by any time between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to help!
IBEW 76 Hall, 3049 S 36th St, Tacoma, WA 98409
Thursday, June 6
Next Bargaining Session with MultiCare
Wednesday, June 12
Informational Picket at Tacoma General (Outside on MLK)
4:00-6:00 PM
MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital, 315 M.L.K. Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405
>> RSVP Here
This informational picket is an opportunity to show MultiCare that we want them to stop dragging their feet and get this contract done. Join the informational picket on your own time only—before and after work or on your lunch break.
