Whidbey Health Pro Tech LPN Bargaining Update
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During our first joint bargaining session, our Bargaining Team focused on the nuts and bolts of the contract—reviewing and cleaning up outdated language. We made progress with the employer on improving member access to union information and updates, including movement toward better use of information boards. By the end of our second joint bargaining session, we had presented most of our proposals, both language and economic. Our goal is to work efficiently and reach an agreement we can all be happy with.
Despite our strong preparation, progress has been slowed by:
Management not being available to bargain prior to contract expiration.
Management not having meeting rooms arranged & set up on bargaining days.
Management not working directly with us. Our bargaining team has twice arrived at the hospital, prepared to meet with management; and although most management participants were in the building, they chose to meet with us virtually, at times with cameras off. (In-person bargaining is more transparent. They can see our reactions and we can see theirs.)
Management demanding everything from us and not being willing to respond to all of our proposals after we presented them. In fact, Management has said they do not intend to respond to our economic proposals until the end of April!
This is unacceptable! We will not be boxed in by their demands. We will continue to negotiate based on our collective priorities. Management’s tactics could lead to delays in wage increases and improvements to our contract. Our team is actively pushing for faster movement. We believe our members deserve raises sooner than the employer is currently prepared to deliver.
As negotiations continue, your voice matters. You have the right to:
Speak openly about your union and contract
Discuss wages and working conditions
Wear union buttons, stickers, and gear
Meet our Bargaining Team! Join our bargaining update meeting: Tuesday April 14 at 6:00pm on Zoom >>
Meeting ID: 831 0916 5648 Passcode: 019707
"We’re excited for the prospective bulletin boards to be able to more easily communicate union business and keep members informed and involved!" - Cassie Anderson
"We started with non-economics, light issues to get the ball rolling and we are looking forward to bargaining for the entire bargaining unit!" - Jennifer MacNeill
"Nothing can change unless we change it!! Being on this bargaining team has opened my eyes to how much we can do!" - Caitlyn Korkoskie
