PRMCE RN Labor Day action report, Strike Education, and more!

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On September 4 we took part in the Everett Labor Day march and block party. We spoke to other union members and they were eager to support us! Many have signed up to take and distribute yard signs in their neighborhoods! If you would like to help distribute yard signs, please contact Union Rep Anthony Cantu 360-436-6566. We will be distributing yard signs on September 21 to the surrounding neighborhoods near both campuses and during our community townhall at the Everett Labor Temple at 5pm.

On September 6 we held strike educational meetings at the Colby, Pacific, and Pavilion campuses. We had great conversations with nurses about what it means to strike and how we can grow our power in each unit. Since these meetings we have seen a surge in strike pledges! To keep everyone informed and engaged, we're hosting strike educational meetings at Providence Everett (Pacific/Pavilion and Colby campuses). These sessions are open to all, so drop in whenever you can. We'll have UFCW staff and fellow nurses ready to answer your questions.

September 11:

  • Colby St Helens Room 7-9 am, 11am – 1pm

  • Pavilion Classroom #4 7-9 am, 11am – 1pm

  • Zoom Meeting from 5:30 – 6:30

September 13:

  • Colby St Helens Room 7 – 9am, 11am – 1pm

  • Zoom Meeting from  5:30 – 6:30

If you're passionate about making a difference and being a driving force for positive change, we encourage you to consider becoming a strike captain. Your involvement could have a lasting impact on our profession and the quality of care we provide. You can sign up for this role by visiting our strike pledge page: https://www.mobilize.us/ufcw3000/event/576988/. Also, mark your calendars for our upcoming strike captain meeting on September 19 at 8 pm via Zoom https://www.mobilize.us/ufcw3000/event/575629/

After our multiple asks for additional bargaining dates, PRMCE has agreed to bargain with us on September 20. We hope that PRMCE will have a full counterproposal for us so we can effectively bargain.

To recap on our last bargaining session, Providence accepted a few of our previously agreed-upon tentative agreements. But, as expected, they didn't see eye-to-eye with us on most of our proposals. Our comprehensive plan covers both the economic and non-economic aspects that matter most to us. We're talking Staffing, Seniority, Compensation, Health and Safety, and a lot more. All these areas have one goal in mind – to enhance our working conditions and raise the bar for patient care standards.

Our determination remains unshakeable. Remember, it's our unity that will lead us to victory. So, let's keep the momentum going, support one another, and make our voices heard. Together, we're unstoppable!

Important Dates:

October 30, 2023: Contract Expires!
September 26: Negotiations with PRMCE
September 21: Community Townhall
@ Everett Labor Temple, 2810 Lombard Ave Everett, from 5-6 pm
September 20: Negotiations with PRMCE
September 13: Strike Educational Meetings

September 11: Strike Educational Meetings

Show PRMCE that we are serious about our proposals and are willing to strike! If you have not already signed the strike pledge, please click on the link PRMCE RN - I Promise to Take Action! (jotform.com)

Also encourage your coworkers to update their information: https://ufcw3000.org/update-your-information

PRMCE RN Bargaining Team: Trevor Gjendem, Juan Stout, Carrie Rimel, Kelli Johnson, Stephanie Sausman, Julie Byum, Kristen Crowder 

The Doctors Clinic - You're Invited!

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The Doctors Clinic
You’re Invited!

Join us to talk about our fight for a strong contract at The Doctors Clinic. Meet members of the Bargaining Team as well as the Union Rep and Negotiator from UFCW 3000. We will discuss our proposals and how we can get what we need.

Tuesday, September 12 @ 6pm

UFCW 3000 - Silverdale office, 3888 NW Randall Way #105, Silverdale WA 98383

-OR- contact a Bargaining Team member or Union Rep Naomi Oligario for Zoom meeting details to join online.

PCC - Contract Action Team meetings

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PCC - Contract Action Team meetings

Monday, September 25 @ 2pm—3pm
Lynnwood Library, 19200 44th Ave. Lynnwood, WA 98036

Wednesday, September 27 @ 5pm—6pm
The Seattle Public Library: University Branch, 5009 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105

Wednesday, September 27 @ 6pm—7pm
Kingsgate Library - Meeting Room, 12315 NE 143rd St, Kirkland, WA 98034

Wednesday, September 27 @ 2pm—3pm
The Seattle Public Library: Columbia City Branch, 4721 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118

Thursday, September 28 @ 4pm—5pm
Bellevue Library, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Tuesday, September 26 - Online Zoom Meeting @ 9am—10am
Contact a Bargaining Team member or your Union Rep for Zoom meeting details.

Join your coworkers to prepare for upcoming negotiations and how to win a fair contract! If you have any questions, call 1-800-732-1188 and ask to speak to your Union Rep.

Olympic Medical Center (ProTech and Support Services) - BARGAINING CONTINUES

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Olympic Medical Center (ProTech and Support Services)
BARGAINING CONTINUES

Bargaining continued on Tuesday, September 5. We had discussions about job descriptions and wage disparities for Support Services workers and are trying to understand why some positions are paid at a higher rate which are essentially the same as other lower paid positions. Responses from Management did not specifically address our concerns.

We presented Management with a strong wage, premium, and benefits package for ProTech workers to retain current employees and recruit new ones to fill the huge staffing void. Management’s response was a modest increase to their previous proposal. They suggested we meet with the CEO, Darryl Wolfe, next session to review hospital finances.

This is unacceptable! We need to let Management know that we cannot and will not continue to work for less. We are working harder than ever, covering for multiple unfilled positions, adding stress to our work and our personal lives.

Support Services Workers: We are circulating a letter/petition to send Management. Talk to a Bargaining Team member or to Union Rep Aimee Oien.

Wear our sticker to show Management that we deserve a fair contract!

Everyone can get a sticker from a Bargaining Team member or Union Rep Aimee Oien @ 360-662-1981.

“Support Services is vital to OMC and their profits. We deserve a fair and livable wage and will fight as one until we get it.” —Deviney Blore

“We’re still miles apart, their last offer does not promote retention and recruitment.” —Josh Johnston

“Where OMC is at, there is no doubt we will continue to lose coworkers to neighboring hospitals worsening the financial situation and morale.” —Rob Elofson-Golbert

“OMC is asking us to take far less than they have given other contracts recently.” —Patty Wood

“It’s hard to provide excellence working for an organization that gives us less than minimum.”—Hector Pozernick

Bargaining Team: Back Row (L-R) Nancy Dahll, Kimberly Goss, Hector Pozernick, Cameron Van Winkle; Front Row (L-R) Cathy Macphail, Patty Wood, Mandy Beck, Jake Purvis, Josh Johnston, Deviney Blore, Terry Wray, Robert Elofson-Gilbertson (not pictured)

Ferry County Memorial Hospital (Service, Maintenance, and LPN) - FIRST CONTRACT RATIFIED!

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Ferry County Memorial Hospital (Service, Maintenance, and LPN)
FIRST CONTRACT RATIFIED!

“So incredibly thankful for all of the hard work done and excited to serve our fellow co-workers! Thank you for coming and asking your questions and showing your support! If you still want to sign a membership application please find one of your bargaining team. We are STRONGER TOGETHER!” —Nykole Silrus, LPN

On August 30, our Bargaining Team spent from 6am until 7pm welcoming co-workers, answering questions, and getting staff signed up to become UFCW 3000 members. It was great to see the high percentage of turnout and the overwhelming support and positive conversation that were had throughout the day.

Our new contract includes but is not limited to:

  • Grievance Process

  • Progressive Discipline

  • Seniority language

  • Secure hours of work and scheduling

  • Two Guaranteed wage increases each year

  • Guaranteed Premium pay, Secured PTO and EIB

  • Secured benefits

  • Process to address issues and concerns with out fear of retaliation

We look forward to building on this first contract that has set a strong foundation for the future. View your contract online once all of the signatures have been received at: ufcw3000.org. Until then, please reach out to a Bargaining Team member or Union Rep Amy Radcliff @ 509-340-7370.

“Today was a great day for the employees of Ferry County Health. We have made history by establishing a union of hard-working people. Through our strong and ever growing membership we finally have a hand on the wheel for what happens with our careers going forward. It is our hope that the employees of Ferry County Health will be happier and even more productive. I look forward to the future with all of you. Thank you we did it!” —Chris Torres, Lab Tech non certified

Mariners (Retail) Update - Employee benefits and Unfair Labor Practice charges

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Our fight continues for the reinstatement of subsidized parking and promotion of item benefits. Currently the results of the decertification vote are pending certification with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) while one of our ULPs is being resolved.  

Here is where we stand:  

  • Subsidized Parking and Promotional Items Grievance
    An arbitration hearing date is set for Thursday, October 12​

  • Subsidized Parking and Promotional Items ULP
    Currently under investigation and pending a hearing with the NLRB

  • Decertification Election Process ULP
    Denied for review by the NLRB  

While this process moves through the arbitration and board hearing process, UFCW 3000 continues to vigorously enforce our Collective Bargaining Agreement. If you have any questions or believe there is a contract violation, please feel free to reach out to your union representative Dominick Ojeda at (206) 436-6586. 

Mariners (Retail) Collective Bargaining Agreement: Mariners Team Store 

PRMCE RN Back at the bargaining table

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On August 28, we were back at the bargaining table. Providence accepted a few of our previously agreed-upon tentative agreements. But, as expected, they didn't see eye-to-eye with us on most of our proposals during the first half of the day.

In the second half of the day, we stood strong and presented our full proposal. This comprehensive plan covers both the economic and non-economic aspects that matter most to us. We're talking Staffing, Seniority, Compensation, Health and Safety, and a lot more. All these areas have one goal in mind – to enhance our working conditions and raise the bar for patient care standards.

Now, let's talk night shift nurses – an issue that hits close to home for many of us. We've come up with a solution by suggesting temporary incentives for those willing to make the switch. Day shift nurses will receive:

  • $250 incentive per shift that a RN flips

  • $300 incentive per Friday, Saturday, and Sunday per shift that a RN flips

  • $1,800 prorated to a RN’s FTE for working either 32 hours via 8 hour night shifts or 48 hours via 12 hour night shifts

Our proposal for a retention bonus for our current night shift nurses didn't get the green light from PRMCE. We won't let that stop us from reproposing this bonus!

Now, mark your calendars because our next bargaining session is set for September 26th. This upcoming month is when we need all hands on deck! Together, we'll push forward and make strides.

On September 4, we're taking it to the streets! We'll be at the Everett Labor Day Block Party and rallying our union siblings to join us on September 21 for a community townhall. On September 21, we'll be handing out yard signs that folks can proudly display in their yards to show their unwavering support for our contract fight!

If you want to get involved and help distribute these yard signs in your community, then circle September 21st on your calendar or reach out to Anthony Cantu (360)436-6566. These signs will be ready to distribute starting September 18th!

Our strike pledge numbers continue increasing! To keep everyone informed and engaged, we're hosting strike educational meetings at Providence Everett (Pacific and Colby campuses). These sessions are open to all, so drop in whenever you can. We'll have UFCW staff and fellow nurses ready to answer your questions.

September 6

  • Colby St Helens Room 7-9 am, 11am – 1pm

  • Pacific Main Floor Classroom 7-9 am, 11am – 1pm

  • Pavilion Classroom #4 7-9 am, 11am – 1pm

September 11

  • Colby St Helens Room 7-9 am, 11am – 1pm

  • Pavilion Classroom #4 7-9 am, 11am – 1pm

  • Zoom Meeting from 5:30 – 6:30

September 13

  • Colby St Helens Room 7 – 9am, 11am – 1pm

  • Zoom Meeting from  5:30 – 6:30

If you're passionate about making a difference and being a driving force for positive change, we encourage you to consider becoming a strike captain. Your involvement could have a lasting impact on our profession and the quality of care we provide. You can sign up for this role by visiting our strike pledge page:https://www.mobilize.us/ufcw3000/event/576988/. Also, mark your calendars for our upcoming strike captain meeting on September 5th at 8 pm via Zoomhttps://www.mobilize.us/ufcw3000/event/575629/

Our determination remains unshakeable. Remember, it's our unity that will lead us to victory. So, let's keep the momentum going, support one another, and make our voices heard. Together, we're unstoppable!

Important Dates:

October 30, 2023: Contract Expires!
September 26: Negotiations with PRMCE
September 21: Community Townhall @ Everett Labor Temple, 2810 Lombard Ave Everett, from 5-6 pm
September 13: Strike Educational Meetings

September 11: Strike Educational Meetings

September 6: Strike Educational Meetings

  • Colby St Helens Room 7-9 am, 11am – 1pm

  • Pacific Main Floor Classroom 7-9 am, 11am – 1pm

  • Pavilion Classroom #4 7-9 am, 11am – 1pm

September 4: Labor Day Block Party

from 11 am to 2 pm @ Mission Building Courtyard on the corner of Wetmore & Pacific Ave, followed by a march to Block Party @ Everett Labor Temple, 2810 Lombard Everett, WA 98201

Show PRMCE that we are serious about our proposals and are willing to strike! If you have not already signed the strike pledge, please click on the link PRMCE RN - I Promise to Take Action! (jotform.com)

Also encourage your coworkers to update their information: https://ufcw3000.org/update-your-information


PRMCE RN Bargaining Team
Trevor Gjendem, Juan Stout, Carrie Rimel, Kelli Johnson, Stephanie Sausman, Julie Byum, Kristen Crowder 

Northwest Center Progress Continues

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This week our Union Bargaining Team met with Northwest Center and continued important discussions on schedules and flexing hours, assignments to different teams, and the use of coaching and Performance Improvement Plans. We received counter proposals from leadership on remote work and caseloads and hope to be able to reach agreements on these topics at our next bargaining session on September 12.

We appreciate all of the feedback from coworkers during our Union meeting this week! It helped us to finalize our full Economic proposals to present in future sessions. We heard broadly that people are happy with the current healthcare plan and we will be prioritizing trying to make it more financially accessible for adding spouse/children/family and accessible for part-time employees.

Welcome to the bargaining team Kaylee Ainge and Kirsten Syberg, Family Resource Coordinators! They will take turns participating in future bargaining sessions on September 12 and 19. We are excited to have Family Resource Coordinators perspective and voice at the table.

Our team is staying in close contact with our Union siblings at SEIU 925 Early Learning- please stay tuned for future solidarity actions we will take together!

You’re invited!

Monday September 5, 11am – 2pm at Angle Lake Park in SeaTac, Join UFCW 3000 and our community at the annual MLK Labor Day Picnic! Bring a friend, your family, and kids. There will be food trucks with free food for union members, kids games, and a splash park. Hope to see you there!

Questions or to get more involved, please contact Union Representative Ian Jacobson, 206-436-6550.

Follow us on our social media to stay up to date with bargaining! Facebook and Instagram: Early Supports Union @earlysupportsunion

Providence St. Peter (PTAs and COTAs) - Prepare to take action in solidarity

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Providence St. Peter (PTAs and COTAs)
Prepare to take action in solidarity

“It just seems unfair that we are putting forth efforts to negotiate in fairness, though Providence does not seem to be bringing a reasonable offer to the table...” —Heidi Ranger-Geh, Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant, Bargaining Team

Our Bargaining Team met with Providence St. Peter Management on Tuesday, August 29, to bargain over the specifics of our Memorandum of Understanding. We have continued to try to come to a compromise on the structure of a wage scale, our placement on it, and continuation of our educational stipend. We have made what we feel to be reasonable movement towards Management’s position on these matters but by and large have found the Employer’s willingness to meet us part of the way to be lacking.

We have heard that our new union siblings also attempting to get their Memorandum of Understanding negotiated so they may be added into the RN union contract have been facing similar struggles. We hope to coordinate actions soon with these Palliative Care and Case Manager RNs so that we can all show Management we deserve dignity, respect, and fair compensation for our labor.

Please speak with our Bargaining Team members or call Union Rep Brandan Zielinski @ 206-436-6603 if you have any questions.

Bargaining Team Members: Cynthia Miner, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant; Heidi Ranger-Geh, Physical Therapy Assistant

Macy's Bargaining update and Next Steps

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Our Union Bargaining Team: Azia Domingo, Curtisy Bryant, Emily Hunter, Liisa Luick, Nicole Hardin.

Our Union Bargaining Team met with Management again on August 24 and 25.

We were cautiously optimistic about these dates because it was the first time we met in-person since mid-July. We’ve found that in-person negotiations have been more fruitful, and we were anticipating this trend to continue.

We couldn’t have been more wrong. Macy’s started by passing a proposal that regressed to the terms of our June 27 bargaining date, throwing away the progress we had made through supposals over the past two months. This sudden reversal was a significant setback and suggested the Employer's readiness for a contentious round of negotiations.

The Employer’s latest proposal included:

GENERAL WAGE INCREASE
Years of Service 1-14: Year 1: 40¢, Year 2: 40¢, Year 3: 40¢
Years of Service 15+: Year 1: 50¢, Year 2: 40¢, Year 3: 40¢
$17 Minimum Wage (except Southcenter)

  • Elimination of all wage scales, limiting the career growth of members,

  • Elimination of most our holiday pay language, replacing it with the employer’s non-union holiday policy,

  • REJECTED Union proposal to create a master safety committee,

  • REJECTED Union proposal that employees will not be disciplined when calling mall security or the police,

  • REJECTED Union proposal for better vacation accruals,

  • REJECTED Union proposal for better deficit wipe-offs,

  • REJECTED Union proposal for a more affordable healthcare option.

In response, our Bargaining Team mirrored this approach, dropping all the movement made during the supposal process just as the Employer had. They left us with no choice since we could not lock in our progress when they were unwilling to do the same.

We are disappointed with Macy’s actions, yet, our disappointment only strengthens our resolve to take whatever action is necessary to win a fair contract. That being said, our Bargaining Team has called for a second round of informational pickets.

September will become a month of action, as informational pickets are again set for Bellingham, Alderwood, and Southcenter. This time, they will span three consecutive Fridays. Our last round of pickets saw the strong showing of UFCW 3000 members and the community, but now it's time to demonstrate that our solidarity has grown even stronger. As we gear up for a potential labor dispute over the holidays, Macy’s will see that our unity remains unshakeable.

Contract Action Team Meetings:

Southcenter: Tuesday September 5, 12PM-1PM
Southcenter Mall Food Court 2800 Southcenter Mall, Seattle, WA 98188)

Alderwood: Tuesday September 5, 3PM-4PM
Elemental Pizza 3000 184th St SW #948, Lynnwood, WA 98037)

Bellingham: Thursday September 7, 1PM-2PM
Bellis Fair Mall Food Court One Bellis Fair Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98226)

In addition to RSVP’ing to an informational picket, our Bargaining Team asks that you attend our next Contract Action Team Meetings to learn more about our next steps. During these meetings we will focus on planning for a possible strike over the holidays, including a Q&A session with the UFCW 3000 Negotiations Director.

Macy’s Informational Pickets Round 2 RSVP: bit.ly/macys-info-picket-23

Friday September 15: Bellingham Macy’s | 2:00PM – 4:00PM
50 E Bellis Fair Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98226

Friday September 22: Alderwood Macy’s | 2:00PM – 4:00PM
18700 Alderwood Mall Pkwy, Lynnwood, WA 98037

Friday September 29: Southcenter Macy’s | 2:00PM – 4:00PM
500 Southcenter Mall, Tukwila, WA 98188

What's the Status of the Strike Authorization Vote?

We've chosen to delay the strike authorization vote and, in its place, arrange informational pickets, with an eye on early October for a potential vote.

This is because our Bargaining Team had requested information from the employer, but this request remained unfulfilled before our August 24 and 25 bargaining dates. The employer's inability to provide all the requested information made it difficult to fully evaluate the outstanding issues, leading to the decision to postpone the vote. However, the employer has committed to providing the information prior to our next set of bargaining dates, which will help our team make an informed decision about when and if a strike authorization vote is necessary.

ST. ANNE HOSPITAL (TECH) - BARGAINING CONTINUES

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ST. ANNE HOSPITAL (TECH)
BARGAINING CONTINUES

“There have been bumps along the road, but today’s session was the most productive yet. We hope the positive momentum continues!” —Bargaining Team: Carlos Camacho, Linda Sanders, Michelle Grennan

Our Union Bargaining Team met with Management again on August 16 to continue negotiations for our successor contract. At this bargaining session our team passed across everything except our wage proposal, giving the Employer a lot to consider before we meet again on September 6. Our proposals included the following issues:

  • Wage Premiums & Differential

  • Recognition for Past Experience

  • Equal Opportunity / Equity

  • Harassment / Discrimination

  • Union Access to Premises

  • New Hire Orientation

  • Preceptor

  • Layoff / Recall

  • Low Census

  • Holiday Callback Pay

  • Grievance Procedure

  • Incentive Pay

  • Bereavement Leave

  • And more!

As we gear up to present our initial wage proposal, our team has been analyzing market data to ensure we create a competitive edge against neighboring facilities, including Harborview and Swedish Medical Centers. Though in past discussions the Employer has dismissed these facilities as unequal due to their larger scale, it remains a fact that some of our colleagues have moved to these neighboring facilities, located just a stone's throw away, for better compensation packages.

However, the positive nature of the conversations with the Employer thus far leads us to be cautiously optimistic that this momentum will continue. We meet again with the Employer on September 6 and 27.

PRMCE RN Let’s Stand Strong Together!

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Our latest bargaining session took place on August 28, and we have some important updates to share. We initially engaged in expedited bargaining with the Hospital, but we realized that this approach wasn't yielding the results we need. Therefore, we transitioned to regular bargaining, and August 28 marked our first session.

While we were prepared for an outright rejection of our previously agreed-upon tentative agreements, we managed to make some headway. Hospital management accepted a few of our proposals. For instance, they agreed to eliminate the use of written warnings for progressive discipline if the incident occurred 18 months or more in the past.

However, there's still much ground to cover. We've presented a comprehensive proposal that spans both economic and non-economic aspects. Our proposal touches on crucial areas such as Staffing, Seniority, Compensation, Health and Safety, and more – all designed to improve our working conditions and patient care standards.

We also did an analysis of all Level 2 trauma hospitals across Washington. Surprisingly, we've discovered that Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center (Spokane), PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s Medical Center (Bellingham), Tacoma General, St. Joseph’s Medical Center (Tacoma), Kadlec Regional Medical Center (Richland), and PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center (Vancouver) – all Level 2 trauma hospitals – are paying their nurses more than their surrounding Level 3 trauma hospitals.

We are the sole Level 2 trauma hospital in the state that's receiving less compensation than our neighboring Level 3 trauma hospitals. This disparity is impacting our ability to attract and retain talented nurses, especially when they're being lured by smaller patient loads and higher compensation at Level 3 facilities.

Our proposal includes language on staffing and compensation changes that are designed to prevent nurse burnout and to ensure we continue attracting skilled nursing professionals to our team. We're also addressing the pressing issue of night shift nurse shortages by suggesting temporary incentives for those willing to switch to the night shift. PRMCE agreed to our night flip shift incentive but rejected our retention bonus for night shift nurses. Day shift nurses who switch from day shift to night shift will receive $250 per night shift worked. Read the Letter Of Understanding >>

Our next bargaining session will be on September 26. During this time, we'll not only focus on the negotiations but also on raising awareness within our community about the potential for a strike if PRMCE remains unresponsive to our staffing proposals.
If you haven't already done so, we encourage you to sign the strike pledge at PRMCE RN - I Promise to Take Action! (jotform.com). Let's stay united and committed to ensuring our voices are heard and our concerns are addressed.
We're in this together, and together we can make a difference!

Join us:

September 4 Everett Labor Day Block Party
11am to 2pm meet @ Mission Building Courtyard on the corner of Wetmore & Pacific Ave, followed by a march to Block Party @ Everett Labor Temple, 2810 Lombard Everett, WA 98201

September 5 at 8 pm Strike Captain Training via Zoom
If you're passionate about making a difference and being a driving force for positive change, we encourage you to consider becoming a strike captain: https://www.mobilize.us/ufcw3000/event/576988/

The Doctors Clinic - Making progress towards a strong contract

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The Doctors Clinic
Making progress towards a strong contract

We want a better place to work and on Friday, August 25, we bargained over changes to the contract that will vastly improve The Doctors Clinic. Our Bargaining Team feels strongly that Management needs to be more transparent and willing to work with us.

We have proposed changes to the contract language on staffing to allow all of us to give input on our schedules and workload. We have also proposed a Labor—Management Committee to work through problems as they come up. We have discussed additional hours, job postings, floater rotators, the safety committee, the layoff process, Union Stewards, discipline, and the grievance process.

Everything we are working on helps Management be better partners and allows us to have a say in the process. We are bargaining again September 19 and 21 and will be focusing on wages, and benefits.

“There has been a breakdown in communication between us, the employees, and Management, and we believe the contract should foster better communication.” —Anna Snyder, Bargaining Team

If you need additional information reach out to a Bargaining Team member or Union Rep Naomi Oligario @ 360-662-1989.

Stay in the loop! Update your information and go to:
ufcw3000.org/update-your-information

EvergreenHealth Kirkland - Management’s math doesn't add up

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During our bargaining session on Wednesday, August 23, we engaged in discussions with Management regarding strategies to enhance our competitive stance in terms of wages compared to other local hospitals.

In particular, we suggested the concept of eliminating the initial two steps of our wage scale, subsequently adjusting the positions of most members along the scale. This idea aimed to establish a more attractive entry wage and to ensure substantial wage progression for existing members. Regrettably, Management displayed limited interest and ultimately declined to entertain our proposition.

Our objective remains the retention of current staff and the effective recruitment of new members to address the significant staffing issues at EvergreenHealth Kirkland. Management has consistently reiterated that the challenges in recruitment are prevalent across the industry, not exclusive to Evergreen.

However, we shared our extensive research on wages with Management and told them that our review of wages showed that Evergreen was paying below the market standard. We highlighted that our analysis revealed Evergreen's compensation rates to be below the median for numerous job roles, particularly when contrasted with wages offered by Seattle hospitals.

Management countered that they had already given a wage increase in 2023 and that no additional funding is budgeted for our wage increase this year. They frequently cite the 6% wage hike that was instituted in January for most job classifications.

It's worth noting that numerous emails sent to employees during January referred to this increment as a "market increase," implying that Management had conducted research on wage trends at neighboring hospitals and concluded that a 6% increase was sufficient. We believe this adjustment falls short of addressing the issue, as evidenced by the continued departure of Evergreen staff for better-paying alternatives.

Management has asked for mediation, and our team is currently reviewing this option. While our next bargaining dates are not yet set, we'll inform you as soon as we decide on the mediator and our schedule. Meanwhile, reach out to your Union Steward to get "Our Retention Needs Attention" stickers to wear at work, demonstrating our united support for a fair contract.

Stay in the loop and update your information!
ufcw3000.org/update-your-information

For additional information contact Union Rep Jack Crow @ 206-436-6614.

PRMCE RN Weekly Update

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Sign-Up to be a Strike Captain!

On August 22, we came together for a strike captain training session held over Zoom. During the session, we went over the fundamentals of a strike and the vital roles that strike captains play. Our goal is to spread awareness and educate our fellow nurses throughout September and October. To make this happen, we need dedicated strike captains for every unit and every shift.

If you're passionate about making a difference and being a driving force for positive change, we encourage you to consider becoming a strike captain. Your involvement could have a lasting impact on our profession and the quality of healthcare we provide. You can sign up for this role by visiting our strike pledge page: 

>> Sign-Up to be a Strike Captain!

Also, mark your calendars for our upcoming strike captain meeting on September 5 at 8:00 PM via Zoom.

>> Strike Captain Meeting RSVP

Now, let's talk about why this matters. A strike isn't just a halt in our work; it's a collective stand for our rights and the well-being of our patients. According to federal law, we have the right to strike, but we must give the hospital a 10-day notice to ensure patient care isn't compromised.

The prospect of a strike isn't just a last resort; it's a powerful tool that can drive change. It forces Providence to reconsider its stance and acknowledge our proposals. The mere threat of a strike can be as influential as the strike itself, but for it to be effective, we must show that we are united and ready to take action.

This unity is why signing the strike pledge is so critical. It shows our commitment and solidarity as nurses who are dedicated to making a difference. Additionally, participating in the strike authorization vote further strengthens our stance. You can sign the pledge here:

>> Sign Our Strike Pledge!

This week members from Everett City Council, Snohomish County Council, and State Representative Mary Fosse delivered a letter to Kristy Carrington, Chief Executive of PRMCE, and expressed their support for our cause. Their recognition of the importance of patient safety through our union contract is a testament to the significance of our efforts.

We return to the bargaining table on August 28. We've already secured several tentative agreements, but Providence has indicated they will be resetting their proposals. This shows a lack of genuine collaboration and a disregard for addressing the staffing challenges we face daily. Our staffing proposals empower nurses to collaboratively address enduring staffing challenges alongside PRMCE Management. They involve binding third-party mediation to resolve long-standing staffing-related issues that Management has failed to address, ensuring consistent consultations between the Chief Nursing Officer and nurses to efficiently allocate resources for staffing and patient safety initiatives, and establishing accountability mechanisms should PRMCE fail to adhere to the agreed-upon staffing plans.

In addition, we are proposing:

  1. Establishing permanent incentives for those who take up extra shifts.

  2. Introducing an hourly premium for nurses in units that are 90% understaffed.

  3. Shortening the time required to move to the next wage step, benefiting all nurses, especially per diem nurses.

  4. A flip shift incentive for those day shift nurses picking up night shifts.

  5. Recognizing the experience of current nurses and adjusting our wages accordingly.

  6. Competitive wage increases that reflect our dedication.


We anticipate that Providence will continue bombarding us with communications in the coming weeks, but we must stay focused. Our aim is clear – improving patient safety by addressing the staffing challenges head-on. This goes beyond mere wage increases; it's about creating a sustainable solution that benefits our patients.

Our determination remains unshakeable. We will continue organizing actions and getting ready for a potential strike. On Sunday, August 27, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, we will be leafleting at the Everett Farmers Market. Join us at the corner of Pacific and Wetmore as we engage with the community and amplify our message.

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

  • October 30, 2023 - Contract Expires!

  • September 21 - Community Townhall @ Everett Labor Temple, 2810 Lombard Ave Everett, from 5:00-6:00 PM

  • September - Strike educational meetings for nurses at PRMCE and over Zoom

  • September 4 - Labor Day Block Party from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM @ Mission Building Courtyard on the corner of Wetmore & Pacific Ave, followed by a march to Block Party @ Everett Labor Temple, 2810 Lombard Everett, WA 98201

  • August 28 - Bargaining with PRMCE Management

  • August 27 - Everett Farmers Market 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM (meet at the corner of Pacific and Wetmore)


Show PRMCE that we are serious about our proposals and are willing to strike! If you have not already signed the strike pledge, please click on the link below!

>> Sign Our Strike Pledge!

Also encourage your coworkers to update their information.

>> Share this Link with Coworkers to Update Their Information!

PRMCE RN Bargaining Team
Trevor Gjendem, Juan Stout, Carrie Rimel, Kelli Johnson, Stephanie Sausman, Julie Byum, Kristen Crowder.

Providence St. Peter Palliative Care RNs Bargaining Begins!

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We met with Providence St. Peter for our first day of negotiations- and felt positive throughout the first few hours- but as the day went on, we were left feeling a bit deflated. PSPH agreed the entire contract would apply to Palliative Care RNs, including the current wage scale! Unfortunately, we disagree on where on the existing wage scale we would be placed.

Both parties made movement on wage scale placement proposals- but we are still being undervalued by 25% by PSPH. We are awaiting potential dates for our next bargaining session from management.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your bargaining team or our Union Representative Brandan Zielinski (206) 436 6603.

“They’re telling me I have 28 years of experience, and yet I got my 30-year pin in the mail last month?!” —Doyla Doty, Palliative Care RN

Keep your personal contact information up-to-date to be sure you receive updates on bargaining, union benefits, bargaining surveys, as well as contract vote information. >>

PCC - Multiple Tentative Agreements Reached—With More Bargaining Dates to Come

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We met with PCC representatives on August 22 and 23. Our Bargaining Team stayed long into the night, put forth proposals, and reached multiple Tentative Agreements:

Proposals:

  • Board of Trustees (improvements)

  • Bus passes for staff (never to exceed $15 required for staff)

  • Premium when staffing is at a minimum (critical staffing premium)

  • Point of Sales (POS) to group A

Tentative Agreements:

  • Leave of Absence Improvement

  • Shop Steward Union Leave

  • Employee Spaces

  • Strengthening the WCC

PCC leadership communicated to us that they intend to deliver their full economic package on September 6!

Take action to build power in your workplace by:

Your Bargaining Team wants to hear from you—look for them in the store and give them your feedback!

RSVP for our next bargaining dates: September 6, 7, 18, and 19. We hope to see you there!

RSVP to Our Next Bargaining Date

Bargaining will be held at the Sea-Tac Hilton, right off the airport light rail station.

Northwest Center Bargaining Update

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Significant Progress

Over the last two bargaining sessions, we have focused our energy on the right to work remotely, caseloads, and our assignment to different teams.These issues have been at the heart of many proposals, and by collaborating in-person we were able to finally reach a common understanding on the role of Teams. We pushed for team assignments to be listed on job descriptions and confirmed at the time of hire. We know that working in North versus South Seattle impacts where we choose to live and our commute time. These differences are not small and we made significant progress in defining a process for allocating new cases and how people may be assigned to other teams. We also made gains in outlining what is considered remote work and in-person work.

“As an organization that promotes inclusion of people with disabilities, we strongly believe that many positions within our department can function remotely and that should be an option that is promoted and offered to people. This allows our department to continue to diversify in terms of candidates that are outside of Seattle city limits as well as those that may not have the ability to drive and therefore were previously excluded from working with us. We are proud that we are very close to an agreement on remote positions!”-Jenica Barrett, Kimberly Burns, Cassandra Villarreal

Our bargaining team returns to the bargaining table on August 30, where we will present all economics.


We want to say a special thank you to our coworker and Union leader Cassandra Villarreal for all her contributions to our Early Supports Union- and wish her the best in her new career opportunity! Starting in September, we will welcome Kaylee Ainge and Kirsten Syberg, Family Resource Coordinators, to the Union bargaining team. 
 
Please join us on August 28 for a virtual meeting to learn more about health care proposals our team is considering. We will share plan comparisons and want to hear from you about what is most important to you and your family.

Early Supports Union Mtg- Health Care Plans
Monday August 28, 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Questions or to get more involved, please contact Union Representative Ian Jacobson, 206-436-6550.

Follow along and stay informed!

EarlySupports Union on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/earlysupportsunion?mibextid=LQQJ4d
 
EarlySupports Union on Instagram: https://instagram.com/earlysupportsunion?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Providence St. Peter Case Manager RNs BARGAINING CONTINUES

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Providence St. Peter Case Manager RNs
BARGAINING CONTINUES

“Management may not have a clear idea of what we do, but we are important to the functioning of the hospital!” ­—Alison Studeman, Case Manager

On Tuesday, August 22, our union Bargaining Team met with PSPH Management to continue bargaining our Memorandum of Understanding. While we were able to come to a minor agreement on not needing to re-submit 2023 vacation requests once we joined the larger union RN group, we were not able to get a concrete counterproposal from Management on our wage scale.

PSPH Management says they cannot cost out our last proposal, which would properly recognize past experience for placement on the existing union pay scale. The reason we were given is that Providence does not have our resumes on file to see what wage increases would look like. They have not moved from their initial position on wages, which would create a second lesser-paid tier of Case Manager RNs in the union contract. We do not believe our work to be of lesser value than that of bedside RNs!

However, we did agree to provide Management with as much data as we could possibly gather on the past experience of all of our case manager colleagues, so they could more seriously evaluate our proposal.

As such, we are asking that you please submit an updated resume to Union Rep Brandan Zielinski. If you have specific questions about this, we encourage to call and leave a voicemail @ 206-436-6603 OR talk to one of our Bargaining Team members!

Please keep wearing your union buttons at work, stay tuned for details, and ask a Bargaining Team member if you have any questions!

Our Bargaining Team: Mary Briles, Case Manager; Melissa Macchiarella, Case Manager; [not pictured]: Alison Studeman, Case Manager

The UFCW 3000 Union Bargaining Committee invite you to observe our next Bargaining Session with PCC Management!

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We believe that PCC should be the leader in our Grocery industry on wages, safe staffing, equity in the workplace and more. We will only achieve that together: Join your coworkers and get involved today in helping make PCC better.  

PCC workers’ grocery and meat contracts end on Dec. 31, 2023 — Here are some important ways you can stay up to date and involved as we bargain this contract: Study the current contract, attend Contract Action Team meetings, and come observe a bargaining session – each bargaining session is open for all PCC workers to attend and see the process firsthand. 

Bargaining takes place in person, and meetings often start at 9am and run into the evening. Whether you can observe a session or not, the bargaining committee wants input from all workers throughout this process.You can reach your bargaining team anytime: bit.ly/PCCbargainingteam

RSVP for our next bargaining dates, We hope to see you there! 

Wednesday, Sept. 6 / Thursday, Sept. 7 
Bargaining will be held at the Sea-Tac Hilton right off the airport light rail station. 
(Sea-Tac Hilton, 17620 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98188)
RSVP: form.jotform.com/231724973124052or call our Union Rep!

Frequently Asked Questions

What wages are we fighting for? 

We recently made our first wage proposals for Clerks, Meat Wrappers, and Meat Cutters that establish a starting wage of $25 per hour and achieve $35 per hour for journeypersons by the end of the contract! We also proposed one wage scale for all regardless of location, increases to other pay categories and differentials, and wage escalators that guarantee wages always stay above the rising minimum wage. 

Why are we negotiating? 

PCC has been a union workplace for 40+ years, and union workers have helped the co-op grow and succeed. It’s our right as we negotiate each new contract to demand fair wages and working conditions. PCC workers are in need now. We have asked PCC for immediate raises but leadership chose to continue to pay only the minimum that our contract requires. 
Coworkers need change and many can’t afford to settle for less. 

Why do you need me to get involved? 

Every voice matters. Our ability to reach a contract that sets the standard in our industry depends on co-op management and negotiators seeing a united front from workers. 
By speaking up, talking to coworkers and getting involved, we communicate clearly  that we’re united and that we’ll stand strong for what we need to survive and thrive. 

Are we going to bankrupt PCC? 

As union members negotiating a contract, we have the right to make proposals reflecting what membership needs. If PCC management says the co-op can’t afford it, it is their obligation to open their books and show us why. It wouldn’t benefit us to bankrupt our employer, but we deserve to have an open and transparent conversation about finances. We know our own budgets best. We know the costs to raise a family, have a hobby, stay housed and fed. 
It is up to PCC leadership to provide evidence if this is too much to ask. 

Are we going to strike? 

The best way to avoid a strike is to be prepared for one, which is why we want as many workers involved as possible throughout the bargain—often management doesn’t take us seriously until they see we are united, ready, and willing to strike. But striking can be disruptive for both management and workers, and the decision-making process is democratic. Before a strike could take place, there would be a vote. Members would have to vote to reject the employer’s proposal and to authorize a strike. It takes a 2/3 majority vote of the PCC membership to authorize a strike. 

To be prepared, save money if you can. Strike pay is determined by the UFCW 3000 member-led executive board and generally doesn't replace your current wages. You are not eligible for unemployment while on strike, and do not accrue vacation or sick leave. It is also possible to risk lapses in Healthcare Coverage depending on how long a strike lasts and your plan details. 

GET THE LATEST PCC BARGAINING UPDATES, CAT MEETING SCHEDULE, READ YOUR CONTRACT, CONTACT YOUR REP AND UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION!  >>