Skagit Regional Health - Bargaining Update
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Bargaining Team: Marilyn Faber, Union Rep; Cindy Tjaden; Isabel Contreras; Kalisa Dolph; Britney Myers-Fuller; Ashley Price; Briana Hovsepian; Graydon Hingey; Michael Koenig; Annalise Pasillas; Elizabeth Major; Alina Delano; Micheal Schwartz; Daniel Booker (Hospice of the Northwest)
On March 13, 2026, our team met with the Hospital to discuss topics that are viable for our contract campaign. All conversations around these topics were held on multiple sidebars. A sidebar is a discussion between two to three Bargaining Team members (usually the lead negotiators and a small group of their team members). The conversation takes place away from the bargaining table and is off the record. They are often used to clarify questions or share information.
The following topics were covered on those sidebars:
Clinic Maintenance—we are asking that this classification be created and incorporated into the wage scale.
Donning and Doffing (D&D)/Grace Period—we have asked for more flexibility around D&D and further clarification of the grace period to avoid situations created by the inability to navigate the current punch-in and out system.
Interpreters—we have informed the Hospital that we do not want to lose any bargaining-unit positions. Still, we are willing to work with SRH to create greater flexibility around the languages needed for interpretation.
Credit for current workers—we have identified that some of our coworkers did not receive the proper placement on the wage scale based on their experience. We have asked the Hospital to create a window after ratification for workers to submit evidence and ask for credit recognition.
Variables—this is a topic where we have been extremely straightforward with the Hospital from day one: the current system must change. We have asked the Hospital to work with us to create a path to minimize the number of variables.
Social Worker of the Day (Non-Hospice)—we submitted a demand for bargaining on this, and the Hospital confirmed they have stopped this practice. They are finding out more information on the intent.
Hospice MOU—we are working with the Hospital to incorporate the Hospice Aid and Spiritual Counselors into the existing Hospice Social Worker MOU. In addition, we explained in depth the reason we are asking for parity for these two classifications.
Rest and Meal Periods—we are working with the Hospital to create an improved system that aligns with current law, specifically regarding the availability of waivers for eight-hour workers and the ability to combine paid breaks with unpaid breaks. We are committed to ensuring that the Hospital follows the law and makes the necessary changes to the current system.
In addition to the topics covered in the sidebars, we turned in our last non-economic set of proposals. At this point, the Employer has all our proposals in their hands. We expect they will return with their counterproposals on the next bargaining day, March 26, 2026.
We are holding nothing back on our side—the only thing holding back the ratification of this contract at this point is the Employer! We are even willing to work late into the night to push this through.
Take Action—Sign the Petition >>
We encourage everyone to stay informed and keep showing your unity in the workplace!
The most important action at this moment is for all of us to sign the Community and Worker petition for competitive wages and safe, stable scheduling. Please take a moment to sign and share with all your coworkers, family, and friends! Our goal is to deliver the petition to the Board of Commissioners this month.
Our next bargaining date is March 26 and will be joined by a mediator for dates in April.
If you have questions or would like to get more involved in organizing a fair contract, please reach out to your Union Rep, Marilyn Faber, at 1-866-210-3000, EXT. 4678.
