Conifer St. Michael Medical Center Bargaining Update

On June 6, 2024, our opening letter requesting bargaining dates with Conifer Revenue Cycle Solutions was sent. On June 13, Local 3000 received a response from Conifer saying that the Employer considers “this request to be overly premature”, and that “Conifer does not understand the reasons for beginning negotiations so early”. Well, it is because we are hoping to secure a new Collective Bargaining Agreement as soon as we can! As such, we were not able to set bargaining dates in June or July, but have secured August 28 for our first day of bargaining. Meanwhile, we do have a request out for September bargaining dates and look forward to getting to the bargaining table. As stated in our previous update, the current Collective Bargaining Agreement expires October 31, 2024.

Union Representative Ryan Degouveia has assembled a Bargaining Team of our coworkers and we will be holding an open virtual meeting for all workers at Conifer St. Michael on June 25 between 5:30PM and 6:30PM. We hope to have an open and frank conversation about folks’ top priorities. As our Silverdale office is in the process of moving, this will be online-only via Zoom. Details will be forthcoming via text message very soon!

Should you have any questions or wish to be involved in building workplace solidarity to win a strong contract, Union Representative Ryan Degouveia can be reached at 360-662-1982.

Make sure your personal contact information is up to date so you don’t miss important bargaining information and union benefits!

Update your information here >>

Conifer St. Joseph and St. Elizabeth - We Are All Worth Retaining and No One Should Be Left Behind!

Conifer has given wage increases to employees at St Michael Medical Center, St. Francis Hospital and others while intentionally leaving out St. Joseph and St. Elizabeth.

UFCW Local 3000 has formally requested wage increases for members at St. Joseph and St. Elizabeth to help with recruitment and retention as well as to counter the rising cost of living.

Management quickly responded to our request by saying they were not interested in giving us a mid-cycle wage increase. Management specifically said that they believe our “compensation is appropriate and additional market adjustments will not be provided nor are we required to take such action.”

We are all worth retaining and deserve better wages! We have coworkers who continue to leave to go elsewhere because they can get better somewhere else. If management wants to retain and recruit others, they need to respect us by paying us what they have given others and what we deserve.

“To get the same raise from Conifer that were given to other workers would show that the company values us as employees. It would lessen the stress of high costs we are dealing with because of many years of raises that have not even kept up with inflation. The pandemic has been a really difficult time for all healthcare workers and acknowledging our hard work and the contributions made to our community and our hospital would be REALLY meaningful. Conifer is treating union employees differently from our counterparts. We feel that St. Joseph and St. Elizabeth facilities are being discriminated against by not being offered the same raises that are given to other Conifer employees. Management has even told hospital employees that we can’t be given the raises since we are members of a union. Union employees need to be treated fairly by Conifer! We have stood with Conifer during the worst of times during the Covid crisis and we need Conifer to show that we are valued by extending us the same raises as our fellow employees.”

— Diane Demorest, Patient Account Rep at Conifer St. Elizabeth Hospital

“Conifer not giving us the 10% Market Increase is over a $2 an hour lost income for me. Equaling over $5,000 a year! If they value us as employees they need to pay us market rates. Not punish us because we are union. Many other companies out there paying more and that’s why we have such a high turn over in staff. The company is losing a lot of money onboarding and training people only to lose a lot of them in less than a month. Rather than paying more to retain their staff.”

— Marne Lint, Patient Access at St. Joseph Medical Center.

Sign a petition calling management to do the right thing and give us the wages we deserve!

Conifer St. Michael Medical Center - Contract Ratified

We are excited to announce that members at Conifer St. Michael overwhelmingly voted to ratify the new contract on January 5!

Your first 10.00% wage increase should become effective in about one pay period with another 2.50% increase in early April. We are very excited about the new contract, which we believe will help recruit and retain staff with significantly higher pay and improved working conditions.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your workplace Steward or call Union Representative Ryan Degouveia at (360) 662-1989.

Sign Up for A Steward training! Every department needs strong Stewards - both right now and between negotiations. In Steward training, you will learn your rights and protections and how to push back against unfair practices by Management. You will also learn how to represent a coworker in a disciplinary meeting and uphold the contract.

To sign up for a training, go to:
ufcw21.org/steward-training

Conifer St. Michael Medical Center - Tentative Agreement Reached – Vote Scheduled

Your Bargaining Team has reached a tentative agreement with management on new collective bargaining agreement for Conifer employees at St. Michael Medical Center. Your Bargaining Team unanimously recommends a “YES” vote! 

The proposed changes to the agreement include:

• Historic wage increases for every bargaining unit employee!

• Increased Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual rates for many employees,

• New reporting structure for safety and staffing concerns, requiring a written response from management,

• Posting of work schedules at least 14 days before the start of the schedule,

• Guaranteed four hours of pay when reporting to work but sent home due to an emergency, 

• And much more!

We are very excited about this tentative agreement, which we believe will help recruit and retain staff with significantly higher pay and improved working conditions.

The full details of the offer will be made available during our online vote meeting on Tuesday, January 4: 

It’s extremely important that members attend the zoom meeting to get a full understanding of the employer’s offer and have your questions answered. However, voting will not take place at this meeting.

We will be voting online via “SimplyVoting” on Wednesday, January 5 from 6:00AM to 8:00PM. You will be receiving an email from UFCW 21 via “SimplyVoting” with your unique login information. 

In order to vote, everyone needs to make sure their personal email is up to date in our records. If you did not receive this announcement via email, please visit ufcw21.org/update-your-information and update your information. If you do not receive an email to vote on Wednesday January 5, then please reach out to Union Representative Ryan Degouveia 360-662-1989 no later than 5PM on the day of the vote to provide an updated email address. 

Conifer - Bargaining Continues

“We find ourselves returning to the same principles of fairness and respect as the Employer refuses to place wages on the table. We feel that the Employer’s insistence of dragging their feet to even make an initial offer shows a concerning lack of both.”

-Bargaining Team: Shirley Messner, Rosandra Fedorko, Molly Werder

Your Bargaining Team met with the Employer again on November 2 and 5.

We are pleased to report significant process on several issues. We’ve won double the notice of upcoming schedules, amended seniority language to ensure fair treatment, increased the timeframe to file a grievance against the Employer, increased minimum hours paid when reporting to work, and much more.

However, we still have many unresolved issues such as paid sick time, the addition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as an official paid holiday, healthcare and retirement improvements, workplace safety and, most importantly, wages. In fact, the Employer has continuously failed to make an economic counteroffer from the Union’s initial wage proposal made on October 22.

One of the primary reasons for the delay is that the Employer has refused to provide information requested by the Union needed to craft our safety/staffing proposal. Because they’ve refused to cooperate with the request, we haven’t been able to pass our safety/staffing proposal to Management, consequently, they’ve responded by refusing to provide their economic counter.

The Union alleges that the Employer’s refusal to provide the requested information is a violation of the law, which is why we have filed charges against the company with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). We are expecting a decision from the board soon.

This standoff has stalled negotiations until we have a decision from the board, which we hope to have in the coming days. We have reserved November 11 to meet again with Management however, if we do not have an answer by that time we will be forced to cancel and wait until our next scheduled date on November 23.

Please join our first virtual Contract Action Team (CAT) meeting to hear the latest directly from your Bargaining Team!

Tuesday, November 16
6 PM
Contact your Bargaining Team or Union Rep for Zoom details. Details will be emailed.

Conifer - Bargaining Update

“We’re eagerly awaiting the employer’s response to our economic proposal.”

Our Bargaining Team: Shirley Messner, Rosandra Fedorko, Molly Werder

Your bargaining team met with management again on October 22 and 27 to continue negotiations for your successor contract.

After conducting a comprehensive market analysis on wages, we finally presented our initial economic proposal to management on October 22. Prior to presenting, we had to warn the employer that our proposal to increase wages may be shocking, but that is only because Conifer’s wages are shockingly behind other employers in the region. 

This problem has dramatically worsened recently as employers have been forced to significantly increase wages to compete in a tight labor market and to keep up with the historic rate of inflation. We will be presenting market data to the employer soon to back-up our proposal for significant wage increases, fighting to relieve our staffing issues and recognize the skyrocketing cost of living. 

Unfortunately, management did not have a response to our wage proposal when we returned this week. While we have made some significant progress on non-economic language issues, we are severely disappointed that we haven’t been able to move forward with wages. We are hoping that the employer will finally have a proposal ready when we meet again on November 2. 

Conifer - Bargaining Begins

Your Bargaining Team met with Management for the first time on Friday, October 15, kicking off negotiations for our next contact.

At this session we sent Management our initial proposal, which primarily focused on non-economic workplace issues. Our proposal addressed issues such as discipline, promotions, telecommuting, work schedules, union activity, and much more. We prefer to resolve the easier proposals before getting into economics as wages generally dominate the table once proposed.

The Employer then responded in the afternoon by outright rejecting most of our proposals, which is generally expected in an initial Employer response. However, we have come to an agreement that work schedules will be posted 14 days before the start of the schedule, up from our current 7-day requirement. We are also pleased that the Employer hasn’t proposed any takeaways yet, but we’re cautiously optimistic because there is still time for that to change.

In the meantime, we’ve been working on a comprehensive market analysis as we prepare to make our wage proposal. Our wage proposal will be based on regional wages, however, we must also take into consideration the historic increases in daily costs we’ve been experiencing recently. Costs of everyday necessities such as gas, groceries and housing have chipped away at everyone’s paychecks and our wages need to reflect these changes. We hope to make this proposal before the end of the month.

Your Bargaining Team is scheduled to meet with Management today, October 22, then again on October 27. We are looking to schedule additional dates in November. Our contract is scheduled to expire after this month, but we will be working with the Employer to get an extension agreement in place so our contract remains as we continue negotiations.

“It’s been a great start but still a long way to go until we reach the finish line.”

-Bargaining Team: Shirley Messner, Rosandra Fedorko, Molly Werder

Conifer St. Elizabeth - Conifer St. Elizabeth Members Vote to Approve Contract!

On Thursday, October 29, members at Conifer St. Elizabeth voted on their First Contract after over 14 months of Negotiations.

Members at Conifer St. Elizabeth overwhelmingly voted YES to APPROVE the offer!

We have secured a contract that includes: 

• Guaranteed wage increases

• Job protection from unjust terminations

• A formal process to address workplace issues

• Double time for work on a Holiday

• And So Much More!

The contract is in full force and effect as of October 30, 2020 until October 31, 2023. Questions? Call your Union Rep, Erin McCoy @ 206-436-6598

Conifer St. Elizabeth - ULP STRIKE AUTHORIZATION VOTE ANNOUNCEMENT!

We believe that Conifer St. Elizabeth has engaged in Unfair Labor Practices. We have filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board and we will declare this strike an Unfair Labor Practice Strike. Conifer has terminated one of our fellow union members and leaders—for what we believe was discrimination for union activity—and Management continued to intimidate members during recent concerted activity in support of the member that was terminated and our negotiations.

Vote Details
Friday, October 30, 2020
Time and Location: TBA

ST. ELIZABETH BARGAINING TEAM: Peggy Laush

Conifer St. Elizabeth - We Are Taking Action!

Your Bargaining Team met with Conifer Management on Wednesday to continue progress on a First Contract and secure the wages and working conditions we all deserve.

“We reached agreements on some minor issues, but we saw NO movement from Management on wages, Per diem pay, and PTO scheduling. Get your picket arm ready and put your walking shoes on! We must all stand together, tall and strong!” 

– Peggy Laush,
St. Elizabeth BT Member

Pulling off a successful, powerful picket requires some training. Join us for a picket training Next Week!

RSVP for the Picket Action with your Bargaining Team or Union Rep.

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PICKET TRAINING 

Wednesday, September 16

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

https://zoom.us/join 

Contact your Bargaining Team or Union Rep for call-in details. Details will be also emailed out.

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Next Bargaining Date:
September 16
Before the picket training, updates will be provided on the call

Conifer St. Joseph - Vote Details Announced!

After months of hard work in negotiations, your Bargaining Team has reached a deal with Conifer and are recommending a “YES” Vote.  

We have secured a contract that includes:

• Guaranteed wage increases

• Job protection from unjust terminations

• A formal process to address workplace issues

• Double time for work on a Holiday

• And So Much More!

UFCW 21 members in good standing are encouraged to attend a meeting, ask questions, and vote on the contract. Contact a Bargaining Team member or your Union Representative for any questions.

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Vote Details

Date: Thursday, September 10

• 11AM - 1PM

• 3PM - 5PM

• 6PM - 8PM

Location: Shiloh Baptist Church, 1809 S. L St., Tacoma, WA 98405 (Located behind St. Joe’s)

Conifer St. Elizabeth - Picket Action Training!

The time has come to take strong visible action to show Conifer we are united and standing strong for a Fair Contract that meets our needs.

We are still fighting for:

• PTO accrual and scheduling

• Holiday Pay

• Fair wages

To make sure our picket is successful we have a training scheduled and we need all union members at Conifer St. Elizabeth to attend this meeting.

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PICKET TRAINING 

Wednesday, September 16

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

https://zoom.us/join 

Contact your Bargaining Team or Union Rep for call-in details. Details will be also emailed out.

Conifer St. Joseph - Continuing the Fight

We have been bargaining for over a year. We have been working very hard to build a contract from the ground up and have secured many of the benefits, rights, and protections that we all deserve.  

We have secured:

• Grievance process to protect you from unjust terminations

• We secured Conifer’s commitment to maintain your retirement and healthcare benefits 

Our team continues to fight for fair wage increases, Holiday Pay that compensates us for our time spent away from our family, and proposals that recognize our longevity. 

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“We’re working hard and headed towards the finish line!”

Tracy Wolfe-Calhoun, Bargaining Team Member

ST. JOSEPH BARGAINING TEAM: Terri Ross, Tracy Wolf-Calhoun, Josie Talavera-Berg

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Contact your Bargaining Team to pick up your car signs today!

Conifer St. Elizabeth - Bargaining Update

Negotiations this week between Conifer and union members at St. Elizabeth was short. No major changes or agreements were made today. We have additional dates planned to resume negotiations. 

Your Bargaining Team is still working hard to secure a fair contract that includes:

• Fair Wages

• Maintains PTO accruals

• Fair process to request time off

We must continue to stand and act together to win on these issues that matter most!

TO ALL CONIFER MEMBERS

TO ALL CONIFER MEMBERS:

The Union does not condone any behavior that can be construed as intimidating or threatening from either side. We expect both sides to be respectful throughout this bargaining process.

The best way to win a fair contract is to stand together by

• Attending CAT meetings

• Signing the petition

• Talking to your bargaining team members about other ways you can participate

Thank you in advance for your cooperation,

Amirah Ziada Mirziteh
Negotiator

Conifer St. Joseph - It is Time to Take Action!

The Bargaining Team met with Conifer this week to continue negotiations. Conifer is still proposing cuts to PTO accrual, Holiday pay and their wage proposal was disrespectful to our coworkers who have dedicated their entire career to the company! We know that Conifer can and should do better!

“In order to get the contract we deserve it is critical that we ACT together in unity.” 

— Josie Talavera-Berg

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Sign the Petition for a Fair Contract!

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To learn more details and find out what we have planned, join our Online CAT Meeting Via ZOOM

Wednesday, July 29
6:00 PM

Contact your Bargaining Team or Union Rep for call-in details. Details will be also emailed out.

Conifer St. Joseph - 100% of Conifer St. Joseph Members Reject Management's Offer!

On Friday, July 17 members at Conifer St. Joseph voted on the employer’s most recent contract offer. Conifer members said:

• NO to 0% Wage increases in year 1

• NO to PTO accrual takeaways

• NO to Holiday Pay reduction

CONIFER CAN DO BETTER!! Your Bargaining Team will continue to fight for fair wages, maintaining PTO accruals and Holiday Pay!

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Sign the Petition for a Fair Contract!

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Join our Online CAT Meeting Via ZOOM

Wednesday, July 29

6:00 PM

Contact your Bargaining Team or Union Rep for call-in details. Details will be also emailed out.