Following months of negotiations between Providence and your union bargaining team, a tentative agreement has been reached regarding the updates to required credentialing/licensure for Social Workers within the Care Management department.
Read MoreOn Wednesday, November 19, our Bargaining Team met with Management for our third formal session with MultiCare! We have primarily been exchanging non-economic articles back and forth while we await the Employer’s first economic proposal.
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On Tuesday, November 4, our Professionals Bargaining Team met with management for the seventh session of union contract negotiations.
At Wednesday's session, we continued the productive exchange of the remaining sections of our contract, reaching a handful of new agreements including language around Per Diem workers (more specifically regarding the wage differential in lieu of retirement and health care benefits), increased job protections for workers facing layoffs or workforce reductions, outlining the order in which workers will be placed on low census, and we even reached agreement on a handful of position's wages!
While progress was significant for a number of newly represented positions at PSPH, there were also a couple of positions whose Employer-proposed rates we strongly felt did not meet the wages that nearby Union professionals are earning. As such, our team continued to hold firm that Providence increase these scales to reduce staffing shortages and to meet the demand of the highly competitive market. As such, our team felt that it was beneficial to provide management with the wage scales we're referencing to inform our position. While we did not receive management's response to our proposal before negotiations concluded for the day, we are dedicated to making sure all Professionals at Providence St. Peter Hospital are paid fairly for the lifesaving work we perform every day.
We're looking forward to hearing back from Providence on Monday, November 10—when we are scheduled to be back at the table!
If you have questions about ongoing first contract negotiations, please reach out to a member of our Union Bargaining Team or call our Union Rep Madison Derksema at (206) 436-6603.
Bargaining Team: Rita Palmquist, Case Manager MSW; Elise Steinmetz, Physical Therapist; Sydney Lobdell, Dietitian; Kristine Pepper, Clinical Pharmacist; Brenda Arend, Speech Language Pathologist; Diana Herr, Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist
Over the course of our two sessions, we continued to make significant progress on our first Collective Bargaining Agreement; in fact, the majority of contract articles outlining general definitions of terms throughout the CBA, union administration, employer administration, work schedules, & many more, are wrapped up- totaling nearly seventy (70) individual Articles we have reached mutual agreement on.
Read MoreWe are excited to announce we finally have 3 bargaining dates scheduled: 8/28, 9/3, and 9/4. We will report out via email after the bargaining dates to update everyone. Thank you all for your questions regarding the bargaining process. We are eager and ready to begin.
Read MoreOn Tuesday, July 15, healthcare professional workers at PRMCE overwhelmingly ratified our 2025 union contract following a morning of highly attended vote meetings. Our bargaining team is proud of the work we accomplished at the table—and proud to share this win with all of our coworkers.
Finalizing the Contract: Our union and Providence will now work to finalize and sign the new agreement. Once completed, printed copies will be distributed throughout the medical center.
Access in the Meantime: Redlined versions of the fully ratified Agreement (including updated language articles and wage scales) will be uploaded to our union's website so we can review and enforce our new contract in the meantime.
Wage Increases: Our new wages will go into effect two full pay periods following ratification (July 15).
If you have any questions about our new union contract, please reach out to our Union Rep Bruce Le at (206) 436-6614, or contact a member of our bargaining team!
Bargaining Team: Taylor Widener, Sr. Dietician; Holly Gramse, Physical Therapist; Sara Dillon, Sr. Discharge Planner (Case Manager)
Organize, organize, organize: Know a worker who wants to join a union? Send them here.
On June 16 & 17, our union bargaining team representing the Professional workers at Prov. Everett met with management for two full days of back-to-back contract negotiations: marking our sixth and seventh sessions in this contract cycle.
On Monday, Providence presented its first official counter to our wage scale proposal. While their offer still falls short of what workers at nearby medical centers are earning, our team noted significant movement towards changes to our wage scale structure that our team highlighted in our initial proposal, back on May 5, for instance, Providence's proposal:
Eliminates all ghost steps in the wage scale
Raises the step increases between each level on the wage scale and reduces the number of steps on our scale- with no loss of overall wage growth (which results in more money, sooner!)
While this was a meaningful first step, a closer look at the proposed rates confirmed there is more work ahead. Our bargaining team got to work immediately, drafting a new wage scale counter, which we returned to Providence the morning of Tuesday, June 17—holding strong to our position that the Professional workers at PRMCE shouldn't earn lower wages than surrounding Medical Centers bargained with their union three years ago...
Tuesday the 17: Building Momentum
Following our second wage scale proposal, our team noted a shift in the momentum at the table from the Employer- and the next few proposal exchanges brought positive movement from Providence, and even resulted in agreements on several important items, including:
An increase to the premium in-lieu-of benefits for Per Diem employees and Professionals with an FTE of less than .49 at PRMCE
A new Inclement Weather Article, outlining a clear process for approved time off when weather prevents safe travel to the Medical Center
Expanded Bereavement Leave protections, providing more flexibility for time to grieve and heal—including extending these benefits to Per Diem employees
On the afternoon of Tuesday the 17th, Providence returned to the table with their second wage scale proposal, which included increased rates of pay compared to their initial offer. While this movement was a positive sign, our bargaining team noted that the proposed wages would still leave us trailing behind our largest competitor—a gap that must be closed.
This is shaping up to be a critical moment for Union Professionals at Providence Everett, that this is going to take all our collective strength, unity, and solidarity to push Providence to offer the wages we rightfully deserve. If you haven't yet signed our Strike Pledge Card, take a moment now to add your name before our next-scheduled bargaining day on June 30, and mark your calendar to attend our next Contract Action Team meeting:
"This week showed real movement from Providence—but their wages still aren't cutting it. The fight's not over, and it's going to take all of us standing together to win what we're worth."
— Sara Dillon, Sr. Discharge Planner (Case Manager)
Bargaining Team: Taylor Widener, Sr. Dietician; Holly Gramse, Physical Therapist; Sara Dillon, Sr. Discharge Planner (Case Manager)
June 25, Wednesday at 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
2810 Lombard Ave
Everett WA 98201
Sign the strike pledge card: We need to show Providence we're ready to do what it takes to get what we deserve. Sign the strike pledge card or ask a fellow member to sign it if they haven't already.
Step up! We need department leaders to keep members engaged in the fight >>
Organize, organize, organize: Know a worker who wants to join a union? Send them here >>
On Friday, May 16, our union bargaining team met with management for the fifth day of contract negotiations in this cycle.
Read MoreWe have made over 40 contract language proposals to management covering topics including: Union Recognition, Definitions of Full Time & Part Time, Probationary Employee, Preceptor, Seniority, Change of FTE, Discipline, Non-discrimination, Safety and Labor Management Committee.
Read MoreOn Monday, May 5, our union bargaining team representing the Professionals at Providence Everett returned to the table for our fourth session of contract negotiations with management.
Over the past several weeks, we've laid the foundation for these negotiations by presenting strong non-economic proposals focused on safety, equal opportunity, and critical workplace protections. At our most recent session prior to this one—April 8—we began the shift toward economic issues by introducing proposals related to wage premiums and differentials.
This week, we took a major step forward: our team presented Providence with our initial proposal on compensation and wage scales—a key priority for Professional workers across Providence Everett.
From the early stages of this process—dating back to our contract audit on January 8—it's been clear that our wage scale needs serious improvement, and we identified several high priorities:
"Ghost steps": years of service with no pay increase
Low progression between steps, often just 1.75% increase for each step
Overall wage rates that fall below regional standards for comparable Professional roles—and fail to reflect the value of the skilled, life-saving work we do every day
Taking all of this into consideration, we delivered a comprehensive, forward-thinking proposal designed to correct these inequities, which includes:
Clearer standards for recognizing prior relevant experience, ensuring new hires and current employees are fairly placed on the wage scale
A restructured wage scale that removes all ghost steps, increases the percentage between steps (so members progress faster), and shortens the overall length of the scale—helping us reach top pay sooner
Management listened to our presentation and took the proposal under review. While they have not yet offered counters, we made it clear that our approach is both transparent and data-driven. We walked through the rationale behind each of our structural changes, because we believe there should be no mystery in our demands: we are calling for fair compensation.
May 14
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Teamsters Local 38 Union Hall
2601 Everett Ave
Everett, WA 98201
"We are proud of the work we did to build a strong, evidence-based proposal. We feel like it represents the priorities of our coworkers, and the reality that our pay here is just too low... we're looking forward to keeping up the conversation and ensuring that we earn what we deserve!"
— Taylor Widener, Dietitian
Taylor Widener, Senior Dietitian
Holly Gramse, Physical Therapist
Sara Dillon, Senior Discharge Planner (Case Manager)
Sign the strike pledge card: Show Providence we're ready to do what it takes to get what we deserve. Sign the strike pledge card or ask a fellow member to sign it if they haven't already.
Leaders in Action: "How to Strike and Win"
May 31
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Labor Temple
Register here
Step up! We need department leaders to keep members engaged in the fight >>
Organize: Know a worker who wants to join a union? Send them here >>
Update your contact information: Click here >>
"Compliance with the law is one thing — caving to fear is another. We expect Providence to stand up to bullies, not back down from doing what's right." -Sara Dillon; Sr. Discharge Planner & Bargaining Team Member
Read MoreProvidence recently informed our Union that, as is customary during this time of year, they would like to offer annual merit-based wage increases to PSPH professional employees. Our Union fully supports wage increases for our members and would be happy to discuss a process for wage increases before we begin contract negotiations, but it is important to ensure that any raises are distributed fairly and equitably to all workers.
Read MoreAfter several months of bargaining we have reached a tentative agreement for a new contract. Our Union Bargaining Team recommends a YES vote!
Read More“The MSWs are voting yes for transparency, competitive wages, equality between nursing case managers and Social Workers, case managers, and a work-life balance.” - Rita Palmquist, Social Worker
Read MoreOn Tuesday, December 10, following a series of well-attended vote meetings, our MultiCare AMC Professionals bargaining team are overjoyed to announce that our first ever union contract has been ratified!
This journey started before negotiations, and before winning our union election in the summer of 2023; through perseverance, dedication, and solidarity, we have transformed MultiCare Auburn Medical Center and are now proudly UNION REPRESENTED PROFESSIONALS!
So what are the next steps?
While we are awaiting the roll-out of our experience-audit forms from MultiCare, the Employer and our Union will review and format the new contract. Once finalized, it will be made available online & distributed throughout the hospital.
In the meantime, you can view vote materials on UFCW 3000's website:
View Contract Materials >>
Reach out to our Union Representative Ian Jacobson if you have questions about the contract, wages, or need union representation!
The practice of “rounding” timecards at the seven-to-eight-minute mark is being eliminated, and we will instead be transitioning to “actual” timekeeping: where employees are paid to-the-minute. While we anticipate that this change will improve the overall accuracy of our timecards (& potentially increase the amount of compensable time-worked we are paid for overall), there are a few anticipated impacts this change may have, and therefore negotiated the below protections through our Union:
Read MoreThe outcome of these negotiations is a historic first union contract that we believe sets a new standard for healthcare workers, and we feel that we have secured some of the strongest workplace protections, wages, and benefits we’ve ever seen in a new contract.
Read MoreOur Auburn Medical Center Professionals union Bargaining Team met with Management on Friday, August 2, ready to work hard, and get to an agreement on strong first union contract with MultiCare.
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BARGAINING TEAM: Pharmacist Brent Kirshenbaum, Social Worker Marci Pindi (standing in), and Mental Health Technician Ramona Strassburg
"While there's been some progress in negotiations, there's deep concern over Management's proposals to strip away existing benefits. Furthermore, it's troubling that Management is insisting bargaining committee members use their PTO for negotiations, a departure from the norm observed at other MultiCare bargaining tables." – Ramona Strassburg, Mental Health Technician.
Our Bargaining Team continues to negotiate with MultiCare Management and is pushing to hold on to existing benefits while securing union standards and improved working conditions. At this point:
MultiCare is holding on their proposal to take away of pay in lieu of benefits Employees who opt out of healthcare and PTO.
Management is not agreeable to our proposal to cover employment required vaccinations and testing for confirmed work exposures to TB and COVID - 19.
MultiCare is not agreeable to any proposal outlining a fair process for FTE reduction.
MultiCare Management has proposed to reduce PTO accrual rates for all salaried Employees.
MultiCare’s last proposal on February 7 included NO MOVEMENT on their prior proposal showing that they are not unwilling to compromise on many important issues.
Our Bargaining Team is working hard on behalf of coworkers and will continue to focus on the above issues as well as proposed economics. Other bargaining dates that have been confirmed include February 14; we will be requesting additional future bargaining dates from the Employer.
Being informed and standing together as a union demonstrates our collective strength. Our unified efforts and voices have the power to shape the future of MultiCare Auburn Medical Center.
Questions? Contact Union Rep Ian Jacobson at 360-409-0587.
Bargaining Team: Pharmacist Brent Kirshenbaum, Social Worker Brittany Owen, and Mental Health Technician Ramona Strassburg (stand-in)
“I am excited about being a part of the bargaining process and to advocate for my fellow healthcare professionals.”
—Brittany Owen, Social Worker
Your Union Bargaining Team has met with MultiCare a few times and exchanged proposals. Through their commitment to the process and advocacy for their coworkers, we have made some progress.
Contract language that has been tentatively agreed to include:
Status Review: a process for part-time employees to have a review of their FTE if continuously working over their assigned FTE.
Evaluations: requiring the employer to maintain a system which provides for employee evaluations on a probationary and annual basis.
Recall: a process the employer must follow to reinstate any employee who has been laid off.
Nondiscrimination: the absence or avoidance of discrimination, officially affirming a federal government policy of nondiscrimination in employment.
Important proposals we are still working on are:
Staffing: working to address critical issues related to staffing levels, workload, and patient care.
Floating: establishing fair guidelines and restrictions for floating to other facilities.
Preceptor: clarifying the role and responsibilities of preceptors within our workplace along with a market competitive premium.
Labor Management Committee: establishing a committee to give workers a voice after contract negotiations are over.
Our Bargaining Team is working on other issues and will continue to focus on the above issues as we reserve most economic proposals for later in the process. Other bargaining dates that have been confirmed include November 2 and 9; we will be requesting additional future bargaining dates from Management.
Throughout this negotiation process, we are committed to keeping you informed and engaged. We will schedule regular bargaining update meetings and disseminate important communications through multiple channels, including text and email.
Your engagement and involvement in this process are vital. Staying informed and standing together as a union demonstrates your collective strength. It’s important to remember that your unified efforts and voices have the power to shape the future of MultiCare Auburn Medical Center.
If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to discuss the negotiations further, please do not hesitate to reach out to your dedicated Union Representative Ian Jacobson at 206-436-6550.
We are the Union. The members of UFCW 3000 are over 50,000 members working in grocery, retail, health care, meat packing, cannabis, & other industries across Washington state, north-east Oregon, and northern Idaho. UFCW 3000 is a chartered member of UFCW International with over 1.4 million workers in North America.
To build a powerful Union that fights for economic, political and social justice in our workplaces and in our communities.
