On June 13 and 14, we met with the PRMCE Management team to discuss the closure of the inpatient rehab unit and negotiate over the effects of this decision. During this meeting, Providence informed us that they plan to officially close the unit sometime in mid-October 2024. The current plan is to retain all PRMCE inpatient rehab employees until the official closure date. Employees who have accepted a position at the new rehabilitation facility in Lynnwood (Lifepoint/Providence Swedish Rehabilitation Unit) will transition to the new location after the PRMCE unit closes.

Throughout our discussions, it became clear that Providence and Lifepoint’s plans are still evolving. However, it appears they are committed to securing positions for all interested inpatient rehab caregivers and are negotiating with Lifepoint on wages and benefits. Providence confirmed that Lifepoint will match the current inpatient rehab caregivers’ wage rates, PTO accruals, continuing education funds, tuition reimbursement, and hire dates.

We also requested that Providence ask Lifepoint to delay the job offer acceptance deadline of June 21st, but Providence stated that Lifepoint cannot extend this date. We recommend that each caregiver make their own decision regarding the job offer from Lifepoint based on their personal circumstances. If you do not accept a position at Lifepoint now, we are unsure if a position will be available for you in the future. Nonetheless, all Pro, Technical, and RN bargaining unit members have the option to take a vacant position at the Colby Campus using the bumping language in their contracts.

Moreover, we presented a severance proposal that included PTO/EIB cashout and other benefits for all laid-off employees, but Providence rejected this proposal. We will likely be meeting with them again soon to present a counterproposal.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your bargaining team or union representatives, Jack Crow at 206-436-6614 or Anthony Cantu at 206-436-6566.

Our union Bargaining Team: Mary Brown, Daudette Catey, Allison Axelrod, Jane Warner, and Debbie Stevens