Our Planned Parenthood Bargaining Team is excited to share that last week, we had our first negotiations session for a successor collective bargaining agreement. After initially proposing dates in April, we were finally able to meet with Planned Parenthood’s management team (Erik Laiho (counsel), Yamelsie Rodriguez, Richard Muniz, Tina Matthews, Kristine Smith, Deb Gregoire, and Ronna Donaldson) at the Central District clinic. We set the tone for the day by introducing ourselves with our hopes and goals for this contract bargain. We expressed a desire for a collaborative process in moving towards an agreement that addresses crucial wage and safety concerns so that we can continue to provide essential patient care.

We mutually agreed to ground rules for bargaining and then our team wasted no time making proposals which included equity in workforce development opportunities, making the discipline process fairer and more transparent, changes to the dues process and probationary period to make the hiring process easier for members, and eliminating the restrictions on additional pay when assigned supervisory duties. While management did not counter any of these proposals that day, we did reach tentative agreements (with no changes) to the preamble, Management Rights & Responsibilities, Seniority/Layoff/Recall, Savings Clause, No Strike/No Lockout, and the Labor Management Committee.

We look forward to management’s initial responses and diving into a deeper discussion with Planned Parenthood on the ongoing safety, scheduling, and equity issues at our next sessions on July 22 and 23. Clinician Mackenzie Weil and will be joining our bargaining team as well! We ask that you please wear your union swag and your “I support my bargaining team” stickers on July 22 and 23. Let’s send management a powerful message: all our Planned Parenthood union members stand united for a fair contract.

“We made good progress in the first bargaining session! Please join one of the upcoming Zooms to give your feedback on what raises and other improvements would make working at Planned Parenthood sustainable for you.” – Alison DeBoise

Upcoming Contract Action Team Meetings

Monday, July 7 from 5:30-6:30pm

Monday, August 4 from 5:30-6:30pm

Join online via Zoom >>

Meeting ID: 712 328 6135

Want to get more involved? Have questions or concerns about work? Reach out to our Union Rep, Charlie King, at 206-436-6518.