MultiCare Capital Medical Center Professionals Informational Picket Scheduled!

On Monday, June 29, we had our thirteenth  bargaining session with MultiCare, and continued our work on a first union contract for Professionals at Capital Medical Center.
 
On Monday, we were also joined by a mediator from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS); a neutral third party who will assist the parties in union contract negotiations and facilitate mutual agreement on issues upon request.
 
Mediation conversations are confidential, so we can’t share all details of discussions throughout today’s negotiations, however, much of the discussion focused on the Union Membership section of our contract. Where we have stressed that this section is crucial for our union’s strength, and that union security is already a provision in the RN and Service, Office, Technical contracts at Capital Medical Center, as well as in all UFCW 3000/MultiCare contracts in Washington state- whereas management’s language serves to undermine our union security, and even potentially create new administrative complications.
 
Beyond the discussions at the table, we believe MultiCare has repeatedly violated federal labor law in the form of Unfair Labor Practices (ULP) in their recent communications to newly organized Professionals; citing incorrect details of confidential discussions, inaccuracies in both parties’ positions, and referenced a forthcoming vote on the contract which has not been announced or scheduled.
 
We hope that MultiCare cease the divisive and potentially illicit behavior, and we look forward to returning to the bargaining table with them on July 9.
 
To display the power and solidarity of our union, we have officially scheduled an INFORMATIONAL PICKET outside of Capital Medical Center, details below:

INFORMATIONAL PICKET: Monday, July 13 from 11:30am – 1:30pm at 3900 Capital Mall Dr SW

Join our Picket-Sign-Making-Party: Thursday, July 9 from 4:00pm – 6:00pm at The Olympia Center (Room 204): 222 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501

Important message for UFCW members in our Service, Office, & Technical units at Capital Medical Center: Please support our Professional workers in their collective action by wearing your union swag and showing solidarity in the workplace; however, your collective bargaining agreement is currently in effect, and so UFCW cannot advise that you join our picket!