Learn about safe staffing committees and the new staffing law at our December training

We’re not done speaking out to hold hospitals accountable!

Our coalition’s WA Safe + Healthy team received great feedback from members who attended our first safe staffing training Oct. 19, where we covered an overview of staffing committees, charters, and a timeline of implementation for our safe staffing legislation.

We are looking forward to the next training in December! We’ll demystify what the staffing committee does and how it does its work. With our new staffing law starting to roll out, it’s our job to hold hospitals accountable and get the most out of this new law. Together in our coalition, members of SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, UFCW 3000 and WSNA are ready to do the work.

Joint Union Training:
Staffing Committees 101

DECEMBER 14
6-8PM

Join fellow union members from UFCW 3000, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, and WSNA all across the state for this virtual training on Staffing Committees under our new Health Care Staffing Law (SB 5236).

By the end of this training, you will be able to discuss the purpose and development of a team charter, understand the key elements of the hospital staffing committee law, and articulate timelines and dates relevant to the hospital staffing committee. This training is open to all members and we hope to see you there!

Speaking out about unsafe staffing

We have been talking to legislators, and members have been fighting hard to raise the alarm about ongoing staffing issues at our facilities. Right now the spotlight’s on:

• Providence Everett (UFCW 3000) – November 14-19, nurses went on an unfair labor practice strike at the hospital after voting to authorize a strike by 97%, with staffing the top concern at the bargaining table.

• MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital (SEIU Healthcare 1199NW) – A month after holding a vigil, healthcare workers at MultiCare Yakima Memorial held an informational picket Nov. 15. They are fighting for wages that meet market standards to attract and retain experienced staff.

• Virginia Mason Hospital (WSNA) – On Oct. 10, hundreds of nurses picketed outside Virginia Mason, calling for a fair contract that will improve staffing and reduce workplace violence.

Members are speaking out in the news! Here’s some of our latest coverage:

“Nurses can no longer stand by and take these unsafe assignments, come to work and be physically, mentally, emotionally abused,” said Kristen Crowder, labor & delivery RN at Providence Everett.

“Honestly, staffing is a revolving door,” said RN Trish Bowman. “I have a difficult time even knowing my own staff on my floor, people are leaving all the time.” 

“I am so sick of having short staffing at work,” [Brad] Rathke said to the crowd Tuesday. 

Safe Staffing Bill SB 5236 Passes Senate Ways & Means Committee

We’re writing with an update on the progress of Senate Bill 5236 – our bill to create safe staffing standards in Washington.

Last Friday, the Senate Ways and Means Committee voted to pass an amended version of SB 5236. It is worth celebrating that this bill is continuing to move forward through the legislative process, even as we know the fight for a strong version with meaningful enforcement provisions is ongoing. At this point, a few senators have prevented us from implementing statewide safe staffing standards across the board as initially proposed. Despite this, the committee did amend SB 5236 to strengthen staffing committees and improve enforcement, setting a solid foundation for us to keep fighting for safe staffing standards. We’re confident this agreement gets us closer to enforceable staffing standards by establishing penalties for hospitals that continue to violate staffing plans, and under the amended bill, if hospitals continue those violations, they would be subject to Labor and Industries’ strict enforcement of safe staffing standards.

The most important thing for all healthcare workers to know is that negotiations at the Capitol around this bill – what staffing standards and enforcement will look like – are ongoing as we speak, and state senators need to hear loud and clear from their constituents that this bill should stay as strong as possible. 

There is still time for hospital lobbyists to try to weaken the bill, but that means there is also time for us to make our voices heard. Contacting your senator, and encouraging your coworkers, family, friends, and community to do so as well, is the main way we can keep up the pressure. Share your experiences with short-staffing and what it means for your patients. Let them know what the current lack of accountability around staffing plans looks like day to day. Make it clear that their constituents are paying attention and demanding action.

• Contact your state senator directly–find their name and contact information here.

• Or leave a voice message for your state senator via the legislative hotline: 1-800-562-6000.

Our next hurdle will be to get SB 5236 passed off the Senate floor by March 8th. We thank Sen. June Robinson for being our legislative champion on behalf of Washington’s healthcare workers and Sen. Christine Rolfes, who chairs the Ways and Means Committee, for keeping the focus on this bill until it was voted out of committee.

Your work and advocacy up to this point have been invaluable. We encourage you to continue reaching out to your Legislators to urge them to pass SB 5236.

UFCW 3000 Member Story: Nancy Pyanowski

Nancy pyanowski, UFCW 3000 member and medical laboratory dispatcher at Labcorp

It’s #MemberMonday and today we’re spotlighting Nancy Pyanowski, a proud UFCW 3000 member who works as a medical laboratory dispatcher at Labcorp.

Nancy has a big heart & a fighting spirit; she cares deeply about her patients and her coworkers! Nancy works tirelessly to advocate for her coworkers and safety at her job. Her colleagues point out that Nancy is always ready to share her experience & knowledge, especially when it comes to their rights at work.

Nancy has really stepped up as a worker-leader, too, as she’s actively involved as a shop steward and bargaining team member for her unit. As she says: “We are the union; when we’re united & resolved, we have the power to win!”

When she’s not working, Nancy enjoys cooking & working out with her personal trainer. Nancy — thank you for your leadership at work and for reminding us how important it is to safeguard our rights at work so we can better enjoy our lives off the clock!

UFCW 3000 Member Story: Brittany Reusse

Brittany Reusse, proud UFCW 3000 member and ICU RN

It’s #MemberMonday and today we’re spotlighting Brittany Reusse, who is an ICU RN at Providence St. Mary Medical Center!

Shortly after graduating from nursing school, Brittany and her husband relocated to Walla Walla because they wanted to settle down in a town with a strong community atmosphere. Immediately prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brittany began working in the float pool. Working through such a challenging time deeply bonded Brittany with her coworkers and allowed her to make many connections throughout the hospital across different units and roles. Eventually, Brittany settled into a permanent position in the ICU.

In the spring 2021, the ICU needed a representative on the bargaining team for contract negotiations. Brittany volunteered, passionate about connecting nurses together, ensuring excellent patient care, and advocating for better working conditions for her colleagues. Brittany says that being the ICU representative (and now a union shop steward!) gave her important perspective on solidarity and what workers can achieve together when we are united.

Brittany — thank you for your leadership and all your hard work in serving your patients, your coworkers, and your community!

UFCW 3000 Member Story: Aleda Adams

Aleda Adams, UFCW 3000 member, shop steward, and healthcare worker at Forks Community Hospital

It’s time for another #MemberMonday! Today, we are spotlighting Aleda Adams, who has worked at Forks Community Hospital for over 15 years. Since 2018, Aleda has also been a union shop steward, identifying issues that her coworkers face on the job and advocating for collaborative solutions. Her leadership has extended to Aleda joining both the Labor Management Committee and her unit’s bargaining team. During a recent wage increase contract vote, Aleda met with coworkers to ensure that each person understood the voting process. Aleda answered questions about wage scales and the tentative agreement, so that her coworkers could submit their ballots feeling confident about the information they had been given.

Beyond her own participation, Aleda is always encouraging her coworkers to become more active in our union. In fact, Aleda has convinced coworkers throughout the years to receive steward training as well! As she says, “There are ongoing benefits & wins we can get by being active in our union.”

Thank you for all of your hard work, Aleda!

UFCW 3000 Member Story: Sonia Padilla

Sonia Padilla, UFCW 3000 member and health care worker at North Valley Hospital

This week’s #MemberMonday spotlight is on Sonia Padilla, who has worked at North Valley Hospital in Tonasket, WA for 20 years!

Sonia immigrated to to the United States from Mexico at the age of 15. For 3 summers, she worked in the orchards while learning English. In her senior year of high school, Sonia told her dad that she wanted to try something other than farm work. Sonia enrolled in the CNA program offered through her high school.

Sonia recalls going to the North Valley Hospital DNS every other day, asking if any positions had opened. Finally, she was offered a position as a sitter; at the time of her hire, Sonia was also the only Latina worker at the hospital. In the two decades since, Sonia has advanced her career from CNA to currently a MA-C in the Emergency Room.

Sonia's patients love that she always treats everyone as if they are her family, providing the most compassionate care she can to her patients and their families. Her co-workers deeply respect Sonia, seeing her as a treasure trove of knowledge and expertise. Sonia is always looking out for her co-workers' rights, bringing forward issues, and helping to enforce their contract.

She is a bright star to her co-workers and community. Sonia — thank you for all that you do!

UFCW 3000 Member Story: Gina Noel

Gina Noel, RN at Providence Regional Medical Center and proud UFCW 3000 member

Another week, another #MemberMonday! Today’s spotlight is on Gina Noel, who is a staff RN at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, WA.

Gina is an active leader in her workplace and has been ever since she became a UFCW 3000 member. Gina has participated in multiple Union actions, attended leader trainings, and even joined her fellow members in advocating for safe staffing legislation. She shared her story and the story of her coworkers with lawmakers, helping them better understand the realities of the healthcare staffing crisis and the challenges essential healthcare workers face day in and day out.

Gina recently joined her home floor's staffing committee and is a voice for her unit. While doing this work, Gina identified multiple floors that had no members present to speak on behalf of their particular units. Using social media, Gina and her coworkers organized Zoom meetings to recruit fellow nurses into their med tele & surge staffing committees, resulting in the most RN participation on this committee in years!

Gina — by encouraging your coworkers to get involved in advocating for the changes they need in their own workplaces, you have truly become a role model for leadership and initiative. Thank you for all that you do!

UFCW 3000 Member Story: Julia Douglas

Julia Douglas, ICU RN at Providence St. Peter Hospital and UFCW 3000 member

This week’s #MemberMonday spotlight is on Julia Douglas, who is currently an RN in the ICU at Providence St. Peter Hospital.

Julia approached one of the PSPH RN stewards about participating in the 2022 contract negotiations. While she as an ICU RN, Julia wanted to help RNs working in the emergency department, as it was a field she had worked in previously. Throughout negotiations, Julia tirelessly advocated for the ED RNs who are currently working in one of the most dangerous and emotionally challenging environments in patient care.

Julia’s persistence was rewarded. In fact, management actually commended Julia on her advocacy for a department she did not work in, and listened to her proposals and concerns. Julia helped the negotiating team push for language that will improve working conditions, and create a safer and more collaborative environment for all. Julia’s hard work helped win a strong contract, which was ratified by the RNs at PSPH last week!

Julia embodies the definition of solidarity and raising the voices of those who go unheard. She is an inspiration to all of us. Thank you, Julia!

UFCW 3000 Member Story: Jessica Leon

Jessica Leon, RN at Lourdes Medical Center and proud UFCW 3000 member, pictured with her family

It’s time for another UFCW 3000 #MemberMonday spotlight! Today’s story is about Jessica Leon, who currently works as an RN at Lourdes Medical Center in Pasco, WA.

Jessica is a dedicated nurse, mother, and leader in her workplace. Growing up, her parents imbedded in her the importance of helping others and of being mindful in relationships with family, friends, coworkers, and community members. These skills are constantly on display whether Jessica is at work or at home.

Jessica states that she is currently working on building relationships with her coworkers and encouraging them to organize together to bring about change in their workplace. In fact, Jessica stepped up as a leader this year by joining the bargaining team at her hospital. In her eyes, having a voice at the table has helped her encourage others to advocate for their rights at work.

Outside of work, Jessica is very close with her family, and spends as much time with them as she can. She is proud of the fact that her family comes together and works through challenges and goals as a team. Jessica wants to keep learning and growing as a worker-leader in her hospital so that she can help her coworkers have quality family time, since it is so important for her!

Jessica — thank you so much for your leadership in the workplace and in the community!

UFCW 3000 Member Story: Rebecca's Balancing Act

Rebecca Landers and her family

It's #MemberMonday and today's spotlight is on UFCW 3000 member Rebecca Landers!

Rebecca works as a nurse at Providence Mount Carmel in Colville, WA. She is very involved in her workplace, participating actively on both the Professional Practice and Leadership committee and the Staffing Operations Council. Rebecca is also a member of the FMC UBC.

Outside of her work in healthcare, Rebecca is a proud mother of two boys, Garrett and Corbin. Rebecca travels extensively with Corbin, who is on the 16U AA Hockey team for the CDA Hockey Academy. In fact, recently, his team won the Idaho State Championship and is headed to Troy, MI in April for the National Hockey Tournament! Meanwhile, Garrett has started his own botanical fish tank business and imports plants from Indonesia for resale. Both boys are succeeding academically as well and are both attending Head Start.

It is clear that Rebecca is doing a wonderful job of balancing being a mother, nurse, and a workplace leader! Members like Rebecca are amazing representatives and leaders of UFCW 3000. #UnionStrong

UFCW 21 Member Story: Colleen's Persistence Pays Off

Colleen Morrison, UFCW 21 Member and Vascular Tech at MultiCare

On this week’s #MemberMonday, we are spotlighting Colleen Morrison, UFCW 21 member and Vascular Tech at MultiCare.

In August, Colleen and her coworkers’ new contract was ratified, increasing their wage scale from 14 steps to 18 steps. In October, Colleen reached out to her union rep to explain that she and several of her coworkers had over 15 years of service with MultiCare and had been stuck at step 14 for some time. Colleen expressed concern that they were not being fairly or adequately compensated for their years of service — especially having spent the last two years on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic as essential healthcare workers.

Colleen found that there was no explicit language in the new contract — nor discussion during negotiations — to audit and adjust these steps to account for long-term workers. Colleen and her coworkers contacted upper management and Labor Relations and were persistent in demanding fair compensation. They pointed out that inadequate wages are a major driving force in the safe staffing and retention crisis.

After much discussion and advocacy, MultiCare agreed to a one-time, non-precedent setting audit and step adjustment for all Vascular Tech members (and per diems) that had been stuck at step 14 for over a year. For Colleen, that meant an adjustment from step 14 to step 18 — that’s an hourly increase of more than 7 dollars! Put another way, that’s an additional $36,000+ over the life of the contract. Most importantly, because of Colleen’s persistence, 5 other members and 3 per diems received adjustments as well because Colleen advocated tirelessly for herself and her coworkers. Since this adjustment, Colleen’s husband has also been able to take some time off from work in order to rest his body.

Colleen — congratulations on this victory! We are so inspired by how you stood up for yourself and for your coworkers. #UnionStrong #Solidarity #RespectProtectPay #EssentialWorkers

RELEASE: Washington hospitals on the brink of unprecedented crisis; health care workers and patients need immediate action from hospitals

FOR RELEASE: Sept. 13, 2021

WA hospitals on the brink of unprecedented crisis

Preexisting staff shortages have reached critical levels; nurses, health care workers and patients need immediate action from hospitals

SEATTLE -- The reality cannot be overstated: Washington hospitals are on the brink of a crisis, and without immediate and impactful action to retain and attract critical workers the state’s health care system could face an unprecedented collapse in capacity and care.

Hospitals across the state have warned of massive staffing shortfalls and collapses in capacity. Now the Washington State Nurses Association, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, and UFCW 21 — who collectively represent 71,000 nurses and other healthcare workers — are urging hospitals to use the tools they have available to mitigate this crisis by retaining and adequately compensating current staff and filling under-staffed departments to ensure patient safety and access to care.

“Amid a fifth wave of COVID, spurred on by the Delta variant, and hospitals overflowing with patients who need critical care, our state health care workers continue to heroically perform their jobs a year-and-a-half into this pandemic,” said Julia Barcott, chair of the WSNA Cabinet and an ICU nurse at Astria Toppenish Hospital. “But nurses and other frontline workers are people, too. We’re losing overworked nurses to overwhelming burnout, the distress of working short-staffed, better-paying traveler nurse jobs and even for signing bonuses of up to $20,000 to move to a different hospital. We’re worried for our patients and the impact of the staffing crisis on the care they receive.”

This isn’t just a crisis for frontline workers, it’s also a public health crisis. Because hospitals were already understaffed well before the coronavirus pandemic hit, we are now seeing a new story every day about a regional hospital at maximum capacity. Without immediately addressing the shortage of staff and untenable workloads for frontline workers, there could be dire consequences to Washington’s health care infrastructure.

“Chronic understaffing is a disaster for patient care. Health care workers don’t want to see patients stuck in overflowing ICUs or being treated in ER hallways, or be forced to turn away ambulances at the door, but that’s the reality of health care right now,” said Faye Guenther, UFCW 21 president. “Hospitals need to immediately respond to this patient care crisis. That means focusing on meaningful, sustainable solutions that will recruit and retain qualified caregivers in every department.”

As many anti-vaccination activists falsely conflate the staffing crisis with looming vaccine deadlines for health care workers, it's important to understand that health care staffing shortages predate the coronavirus pandemic. As a result of years’ of staffing and management decisions, many hospitals already didn’t meet adequate staffing for average patient levels. COVID exacerbated this already strained infrastructure, and hospitals’ response to the pandemic has only worsened this preexisting crisis. 

“What’s really driving this crisis is that hospitals have spent the last two decades balancing their budgets on the backs of health care workers and patients,” said Jane Hopkins, RN, executive vice president of SEIU Healthcare 1199NW. “COVID has been a stress test on our health care system, and we are seeing the system fail that test due to management’s choice to understaff. Retention bonuses for frontline workers who have stayed on the job, adequate pay for extra hours worked, and aggressive hiring to staff at full capacity would go a long way right now.”

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About SEIU Healthcare 1199NW

SEIU Healthcare 1199NW is a union of nurses and healthcare workers with over 30,000 caregivers throughout hospitals, clinics, mental health, skilled home health and hospice programs in Washington state and Montana. SEIU Healthcare 1199NW’s mission is to advocate for quality care and good jobs for all.

About WSNA 

WSNA is the leading voice and advocate for nurses in Washington state, providing representation, education and resources that allow nurses to reach their full professional potential and focus on caring for patients. WSNA represents more than 19,000 registered nurses for collective bargaining who provide care in hospitals, clinics, schools and community and public health settings across the state. 

About UFCW 21 

UFCW 21 is working to build a powerful union that fights for economic, political and social justice in our workplaces and our communities. We represent over 45,000 workers in retail, grocery stores, health care, and other industries in Washington state.

UFCW 21 Member Story: Taylor Cares For Both Her Patients and Her Coworkers

Taylor Fleming, Medical Assistant at Planned Parenthood, poses For a photo.

Time for another #MemberMonday spotlight!

Taylor Fleming is a Medical Assistant who has worked at Planned Parenthood for over a year. Before that, she graduated from Western Washington University and is now a proud UFCW 21 member.

Taylor was glad to find work where she felt like she could work in the service of others — and that her first job is a good union job. Taylor loves her co-workers and the work that she does because she feels that she’s been able to develop rapport and trust with her patients.

Of course, being a frontline, essential worker during the COVID-19 pandemic has been tough and stressful for Taylor. Many of her coworkers have left the clinic — in part because of the way management has treated workers, their capacity, and scheduling.

Taylor has seen the retention & turnover issue impacting healthcare workers first-hand. She believes that #SafeStaffingSavesLives and these issues motivated her to get involved with the help of her union rep, Lauren.

Today, Taylor is a reliable resource for her peers. She enjoys helping people better understand their contract, lifting up grievances as necessary, and fostering camaraderie amongst her coworkers. Her work truly contributes to a healthy and positive work environment!

Thank you Taylor for stepping up and becoming a leader who your coworkers trust to help them!

#UnionStrong

Unions demand hazard pay for health care workers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Tuesday,, April 7, 2020

CONTACT:

Amy Clark,
SEIU Healthcare 1199NW
amyc@seiu1199nw.org
425-306-2061

Ruth Schubert, Washington State Nurses Association
rschubert@wsna.org 
206-713-7884

Sarah Cherin, UFCW 21
scherin@ufcw21.org
206-436-6580 

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Unions demand hazard pay for health care workers

SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, UFCW 21 and WSNA call for pay increases for all frontline health care workers

Seattle, Wash.— Since even before the first COVID-19 death in late February, frontline health care workers have been working under extraordinarily difficult conditions, without the protective equipment they need to ensure their safety and the safety of their patients. In the face of a national shortage in respirators, masks and other protective equipment, nurses and other health care workers are reusing or going without equipment that is considered standard under normal circumstances. They are putting their lives on the line to save the lives of others.

In view of these extraordinary circumstances, the Washington State Nurses Association, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW and UFCW 21 issued the following joint statement demanding hazard pay for health care workers as they face this pandemic: 

“Every day, we go to work to care for patients and keep our hospitals and health care facilities open, despite the fact that we still have not received enough personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep ourselves safe.”

“Nurses, techs, respiratory therapists, and service and maintenance workers in health facilities are putting our own lives on the line to respond to this crisis. Simply coming to work puts us at heightened risk. At the same time, we are dealing with new economic challenges and hardships brought on by the crisis.”

“UFCW 21, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW and WSNA call on hospitals and health systems across Washington to recognize the heroic efforts of workers on the frontlines of this pandemic by providing hazard pay increases to all health care workers for the duration of the crisis.”

“We cannot put on a price on unsafe working conditions, and hazard pay does not make up for the lack of proper equipment and support. But it does reflect the lived reality that these workers are putting their health and their lives on the line to ensure that our entire state has a fighting chance to beat this pandemic.”

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About SEIU Healthcare 1199NW

SEIU Healthcare 1199NW is a union of nurses and healthcare workers with over 30,000 caregivers throughout hospitals, clinics, mental health, skilled home health and hospice programs in Washington state and Montana. SEIU Healthcare 1199NW’s mission is to advocate for quality care and good jobs for all. 

About WSNA 

WSNA is the leading voice and advocate for nurses in Washington state, providing representation, education and resources that allow nurses to reach their full professional potential and focus on caring for patients. WSNA represents more than 19,000 registered nurses for collective bargaining who provide care in hospitals, clinics, schools and community and public health settings across the state. 

About UFCW 21 

UFCW 21 is working to build a powerful union that fights for economic, political and social justice in our workplaces and our communities. We represent over 45,000 workers in retail, grocery stores, health care, and other industries in Washington state. 

SIGN OUR PETITION DEMANDING SAFE, FAIR WORKING CONDITIONS FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS

Nurses and health care workers must have the resources to ensure our health and our families are protected as we fight this pandemic.

We’re coming together as health care workers and community members across Washington to demand employers and our elected leaders commit to:

1. Follow workplace safety guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control, and provide adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including masks, gloves, gowns and eye protection

2. Provide scrubs and a secure location to change uniforms so we do not have to bring our soiled uniforms home and into the community

3. Help us meet new challenges with a pay increase of $5/hr in recognition of our work and the increased risk to ourselves and our families during this pandemic

4. Provide paid leave for any worker who the Employer does not permit to work due to exposure to COVID-19, with no loss of pay or accrued time off

5. Offer accommodation (telework or alternative assignments) or paid leave with no loss of pay or accrued time off for any worker in at-risk group (older than 60, pregnant, or with an underlying medical condition)

6. Provide prompt notice from employer of known exposure, assessment of exposure risk, access to testing, and whether a worker is placed on paid leave

Every worker who keeps our health care system running is critical to the safety and health of our communities. Let’s make sure they have the equipment and working conditions to keep themselves safe through this crisis. 

SIGN THE PETITION: we need to protect the health care workers who are taking care of all Washingtonians!