MultiCare Health Systems Contract Ratified!
“This wasn’t the longest bargain I have been in, but this was the most intense. I’m glad we held this because we got a great contract. I realized, to win this thing, I had to reach out to people I haven’t talked to before, talk to new departments for CAT meetings, and meet some energetic young people that are ready to fight! I’m excited for new people to take my role that have the energy and passion to win even more next time!” - Patricia Brown - LPN
“It was a collaborative effort with experienced shop stewards who advocated tirelessly. Reaching out to coworkers, building new relationships, and being creative throughout bargaining was key. Having my coworkers participate inspired us on the bargaining team and scared MultiCare! Our strength comes when we fight together. I wanted my coworkers and I to be heard at MultiCare and it was eye opening to see what it takes.” - Rafael Diaz – Cardiovascular Tech
“The threat was real – the threat of our strike was a motivator for MultiCare to take us seriously. It was a tough negotiation and MultiCare dragged their feet. Next negotiations we need to fight for improvements on healthcare!” - Gregg Barney – Press Operator.
After six months and one of the most impactful informational picket ever against MultiCare, we have shown our power against this healthcare giant.
Bonuses
Ratification Bonus: $700 (pro-rated by FTE)
Top of Scale Bonus: $600 (pro-rated by FTE/added on top of the ratification bonus – total $1,300)
Healthy at Work Bonus: $360 (for everyone, paid Jan. 2025 in lieu of Healthy at Work discount)
Premiums & Differentials
We won many premiums and differentials with this contract, with an increase of $0.75 for Standby Pay!
Free Parking
After MultiCare threatened to charge for parking, our Bargaining Team fought and won new language that GUARANTEES FREE PARKING in all areas designated for employee parking! (excluded clinics where MultiCare doesn’t control the parking lot).
Bereavement Leave
We now receive an additional 2 days of PAID bereavement leave when extensive travel is required to attend the funeral. When combined with our current benefit of 3 days, this would offer workers up to 5 days of time off that does NOT use PTO!
Education Funds
While education funds will no longer roll over into the next year, our annual education allowance INCREASED TO $750 (prorated by FTE), a 50% INCREASE from our current allowance
Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital Move
We won new language that protects workers rights when moving to the new Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, ensuring that: 1. We’ll remain Union, 2. We’ll be covered by the same contract, 3. We’ll retain our seniority, 4. We can bargain over the effects of the move! MultiCare will also be required to notify the Union 90 days before the expected opening of the new facility so that we can demand to bargain the effects and ensure our contract is properly applied during the move.
Calls While at Home
Phone calls, text messages, or video conferencing (e.g. Facetime) received while at home will be paid at the regular rate of pay for the actual time spent on the phone with a minimum of 15 minutes. This does NOT apply to calls regarding schedule changes (e.g. low census, shift trades, opportunities for additional shifts, etc.) and only for work-related issues requiring our expertise
Maternal Leave now Paternal Leave
Fathers will now be permitted to take up to 6 months off from work following the birth of a dependent child (currently only offered to mothers).
Incentive Pay Plan (IPP)
To address issues with delayed incentive pay, new language requires that MultiCare pay incentive pay in the same payroll cycle as the hours worked. We also clarified that PTO/Sick-WA counts towards an employee’s FTE when determining eligibility for incentive pay.