MHS Auburn Medical Center (Professional) - Negotiations Begin Tomorrow!

MHS Auburn Medical Center (Professional)
Negotiations Begin Tomorrow!

BARGAINING TEAM: Pharmacist Brent Kirshenbaum, Social Worker Brittany Owen, and Mental Health Technician Sandra Williams

Our Union Bargaining team is excited to announce that negotiations with MultiCare begin tomorrow, October 19, for the first Professional contract at Auburn Medical Center! Our team has already met to review the issues and have drafted our initial proposal to present to the Employer.

Key points in the proposal include:

• Union Recognition with Successor Language: Ensuring a strong Union and ensuring our recognition remains intact in the event of an unlikely sale of AMC

• Preceptor: Clarifying the role and responsibilities of preceptors within our workplace along with a market competitive premium

• 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

• Seniority: Safeguarding the principles of seniority in employment decisions such as layoff, rebids, promotions, scheduling, and much more

• Grievance Procedure: Defining a clear, fair, and effective process for addressing violations of our contract

• Labor Management Committee: Establishing a committee to give workers a voice after contract negotiations are over.

Our Bargaining Team is working on other issues, but our initial proposal will focus on the above issues as we reserve most economics proposals for later in the process. Other bargaining dates that have been confirmed include October 19, 26, 27, November 2 and 9.

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.

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 reach out to Union Rep Ian Jacobson @ 206-436-6550.

The Doctor’s Clinic - We Need Wage Increases!

We continually have to explain to Management that the 6% they contribute to the 401K does not pay the rent or put food on the table. Although these benefits are valuable, the job market has become too competitive for Management to ignore. We are the people who work directly with patients every day—we are the reason The Doctor’s Clinic is successful.

PAY US COMPETITIVE WAGES!

Management claims we have very little turnover, but we know we are often working short. The result is ongoing staffing problems. There are many job postings, particularly for MAs. Competitive wages and premiums will help us recruit and retain workers.

There are problems within some clinics. We are asking for a Labor Management Committee to create a dialogue between workeArs and Management, to address these issues.

The ball is in Management’s court. We are waiting for a response to our economics.

We meet with Management this Friday, October 20. For additional information, contact a Bargaining Team member or Union Representative Naomi Oligario at (360) 662-1989.

Our Bargaining Team (Left to Right): Alec Andren, Terri Dumont, Anna Snyder, Katy Turek

Please make sure your contact information is up to date!

North Valley Hospital (RN, Hospital/Clinics) - Contracts Ratified!

North Valley Hospital (RN, Hospital/Clinics)
Contracts Ratified!

On October 16, 2023, members came out and voted unanimously to ratify new three-year contracts for both the RN and Hospital/Clinic.

The new contracts include:

• New wage scales, a 3.5 % increase across the board increase in year two and 3% across the boards in year three

• Higher nighttime premium

• Retirement match increase

Please reach out to our Bargaining Team or Union Rep Amy Radcliff if you have any questions @ 509-340-7370.

Make sure your contact information is updated with the union for the latest updates!

ufcw3000.org/update-your-information

Our North Valley Bargaining Team (L—R): Jason Daniels, RN; Michelle Beatie, Radiologist; Tonya Smith CNA/HUS; Meagan Vickers, RN; and Amy Radcliff, Union Rep

Trios Health - Expedited Bargaining Begins Soon at Trios!

Trios Health contract conversations will be taking place on November 1, 2023, and November 2, 2023, to discuss expedited bargaining at Trios Health with the potential to receive increased wages and some other changes to the contract prior to the expiration on July 31, 2023.

Several of your coworkers will be at the table representing the RNs at Trios Health along with Management and LifePoint Representative.

We will be sending an update with more information after we meet with Management.

Please reach out to the Bargaining Team or your Union Representative, Juanita Quezada, with any questions or concerns at (509) 340-7407.

Our Bargaining Team: Tamera Ottenbreit, RN, OB; Casey Nitta, RN, ICU; Stephanie Weibel, RN, Surgical/ER; Holly Hurst, RN, Med. Surg; Jamie Bezotte RN, ER

Please make sure your contact information is up to date!

PRMCE RN Online Strike Authorization Vote October 19!

Online Contract Vote to reject Providence's latest proposal and authorize a Strike: October 19 from 6:30am to 8:30pm

On Thursday, October 19 at 6:30am, you will receive a secure email with your unique log-in credentials. Because this is a secure online vote, it is important that your personal contact information is up-to-date with our Union!

Update your Personal Contact Information >>

Only members is good standing are eligible to vote. If you have not signed your UFCW 3000 Membership Application yet , please make sure that is done as soon as possible! 

Link to UFCW 3000 Membership Application >>

We will also review the Employer's proposal in person on the Colby and Pacific campuses on the same day as the online contract vote, October 19 from 6:30am to 8:30pm.We will have copies of the Employer's proposal on hand as well as Bargaining Team members and Union staff to help answer questions before you cast your online vote. Please Join us!

While we recognize that negotiations can be challenging, we urge our members to consider these issues carefully. Our Bargaining Team recommends a "NO" vote on Providence's last proposal, and also recommends a "YES" vote to authorize a strike. This is not a decision to be taken lightly, but it is necessary to secure the best possible terms.

We believe that together, we can find a solution that benefits our healthcare workers, our patients, and our community. Let's continue to advocate for what is fair and just while maintaining the highest standards of patient care.

Our RN Bargaining Team: Julie Bynum, Juan Stout, Stephanie Sausman, Carrie Rimmel, Kelli Johnson, Kristen Crowder, Trevor Gjendem

Important upcoming meetings:

Online Strike Captain Meeting: October 17 at 8pm
Click here to launch meeting >>

In Person Q&A and Proposal Review: October 19

Join us in-person to ask questions about Providence’s proposal and ULP strikes. We will be at the Colby and Pacific campuses handing out ULP stickers and yellow bandanas to show Providence we stand united against their proposal!
Colby Campus in MOB Pilchuck from 6am to 9am; 11am-2pm; 5pm-8pm
Pacific Campus in PAV 5 from 6am to 9am; 11am-2pm; 5pm-8pm

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After 20 hours of negotiations on October 10, Providence Everett put forward a proposal which did not fully address our priorities and places us behind nurses at Swedish (Providence) Edmonds in 2025 and 2026.Throughout our negotiations, we have clearly stated to Providence that our priorities are to obtain competitive wage increases, staffing language, recognition of past experience, and length of service adjustments. This is a crucial issue, as it affects not just our current staffing conditions but also our ability to retain and recruit talented nurses in the future.

In expedited bargaining from April to September 2023, Providence Everett introduced higher across-the-board pay raises than their proposal from the early hours of October 11. As we shifted to the regular bargaining process on September 26, we encountered punitive actions on the part of Providence Everett. These punitive measures encompassed the refusal to honor previously established tentative agreements. We view this as an unfair labor practice (ULP). By dismissing these agreements solely on the grounds of our shift away from expedited negotiations, it not only frustrated the bargaining process but also cast doubts on their willingness to engage in good faith bargaining.

We need further action to move Providence towards a proposal which will retain and recruit nurses. We are recommending authorizing a ULP strike and voting down Providence’s last proposal. Below is a summary of the key differences between our proposals and Providence's proposal:

Our Community is standing in solidarity with us!
Sign and Share the Community Pledge to Support Nurses on Strike! >>

IAFF Local 46 (City of Everett Firefighters) / Pilchuck UniSer WEA / Teamsters 38 / SPEEA / Machinists District 75 / Sheet Metal Local 66 / ILWU Local 32 / LiUNA Local 292 / OPEIU Local 8 / SEIU 1199NW / WSNA / WFSE 1020 (Everett Community College)  /  Snohomish County DSA / Seattle NOW

Everett City Councilmembers:
Mary Fosse (District 1) / Paula Rhyne (District 2) / Brenda Sonecipher (At Large) / Judy Tuohy (At Large) / Don Schwab (District 3) / Liz Vogeli (District 4)

Snohomish County Councilmembers:
Jared Mead / Nate Nehring / Sam Low / Megan Dunn / and Strom Peterson / State Senator June Robinson.

State Legislator
State Senator June Robinson

PRMCE RN Online Contract Vote Scheduled: Vote no on Providence’s proposal on October 19!

After more than 20 hours of negotiations on October 10, we find ourselves at a crossroads with Providence Everett. We entered these discussions with the goal of securing a fair and competitive agreement. We believed that such an agreement would include measures like competitive wage increases, staffing premium pay, recognition of past experience, and length of service adjustments, among others.

We achieved a significant milestone in addressing persistent staffing challenges by embracing a pioneering language on binding arbitration. This innovative approach empowers both the dedicated nurses of Providence Everett and the mediator to collaboratively devise resolutions for longstanding staffing issues, with the mediator's decision being legally binding. This breakthrough is poised to usher in a new era of effective staffing solutions, ultimately breaking free from the cycle of inaction.

However, the proposal put forward by Providence does not fully address our priorities and places us behind nurses at Swedish Edmonds. This a crucial issue, as it affects not only our current conditions but also our ability to retain and recruit talented nurses in the future.

Our proposal, on the other hand, seeks to put us on a more equal footing with other hospitals and provides fair and necessary benefits, such as a staffing premium for those working in understaffed units.

In expedited bargaining, Providence Everett introduced higher across-the-board pay raises than their proposal from the early hours of October 11. As we shifted to the regular bargaining process, we encountered punitive actions on the part of Providence Everett. These punitive measures encompassed the refusal to honor previously established tentative agreements. We view this as an unjust labor practice. By dismissing these agreements solely on the grounds of our shift away from expedited negotiations, it not only impeded the bargaining process but also cast doubts on their willingness to engage in good faith bargaining.

Below is a summary of the key differences between our proposals and Providence's proposal:

Online Contract Vote to reject Providence's latest proposal and authorize a Strike: October 19 from 6:30am to 8:30pm

On Thursday, October 19 at 6:30am, you will receive a secure email with your unique log-in credentials. Because this is a secure online vote, it is important that your personal contact information is up-to-date with our Union!

Update your Personal Contact Information >>

Only members is good standing are eligible to vote. If you have not signed your UFCW 3000 Membership Application yet , please make sure that is done as soon as possible! 

Link to UFCW 3000 Membership Application >>

We will also review the Employer's proposal in person on the Colby and Pacific campuses on the same day as the online contract vote, October 19 from 6:30am to 8:30pm. We will have copies of the Employer's proposal on hand as well as Bargaining Team members and Union staff to help answer questions before you cast your online vote. Please Join us!

While we recognize that negotiations can be challenging, we urge our members to consider these issues carefully. Our Bargaining Team recommends a "NO" vote on Providence's last proposal, and also recommends a "YES" vote to authorize a strike. This is not a decision to be taken lightly, but it is necessary to secure the best possible terms.

We believe that together, we can find a solution that benefits our healthcare workers, our patients, and our community. Let's continue to advocate for what is fair and just while maintaining the highest standards of patient care.

Online Emergency Strike Captain Meetings:

October 12 at 8pm
All nurses whether a strike captain or not are encouraged to attend! 
Click here to launch meeting >>

October 17 8pm
Strike Captain Meeting 
Click here to launch meeting >>

“We made significant movement and Providence at the last minute told us that operationally they cannot agree to a staffing premium. We couldn’t disagree more with Providence. A staffing premium along with our other proposals are vital for resolving Providence’s operational issues.”- Our RN Bargaining Team: Julie Bynum, Juan Stout, Stephanie Sausman, Carrie Rimmel, Kelli Johnson, Kristen Crowder, Trevor Gjendem

Planned Parenthood Tentative Agreement Reached!

Our Union Bargaining Team is Unanimously Recommending a YES vote.

The proposed contract includes wage increases for ALL staff paid retroactively to June 1, 2023 as well as another wage increase on June 1, 2024, increase to vacation, additional Holidays, additional bereavement days, Reimbursement for screenings and vaccinations, new equity review language and staffing language as well as maintaining Health Care, PTO and Retirement.

This is a two-year contract that will expire on May 31.2025. This will give us time to enforce our contract and build a foundation of Strength and Solidarity for when we return to the table in early 2025.

Online Contract Vote: 5:00am to 5:00pm on October 26, 2023

On October 26 at 5AM you will receive an email with your unique log-in credentials and a link to all vote materials and secure ballot. The vote will be held online from 5:00am to 5:00pm on October 26, 2023. All members in good standing are eligible to vote. This will be the only way that you can vote so make sure your personal contact information is up-to-date before the online vote begins!

Update your personal contact information! >>

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Bargaining Team on-site visits!

Our Union Rep and Bargaining Team will be on-site at several different locations October 23, 24, and 25 to help answer any questions you might have about the proposal.

October 23: 9:30am-11am at Olympia
October 23: 1-3pm at Bremerton
October 23: 9:30-11am at Lynnwood
October 23: 1-3pm at Everett
October 24: 9:30-11am at Tacoma
October 24: 1-3pm at Puyallup
October 24: 9:30-1pm at Central District/Admin
October 25: 9:30-11am at White Center
October 25: 1-2pm at Federal Way
October 25: 11am-12pm at Bellevue
October 25: 1-2 pm at Northgate

We will also hold a zoom Q&A on October 25 from 3:00pm and 5:00pm for those members that we were not able to speak with while we were out in work sites. If you wish to join the online Bargaining Team Q&A ask our Union Rep or check the emailed version of this bargaining update.

We thank you for your patience and hard work and we look forward to answering any questions you may have. Please reach out to one of our Bargaining Team members or our Union Representative Charlie King at 206-436-6518.

Mason General RN Bargaining Begins!

Our Bargaining Team has met twice with Management and exchanged non-economic proposals that clarify the low census process, clean up the definition of full time, part time, transfers, notice and report process, as well as many other proposals to clean up contract language and make it more understandable. So far, Management seems to have heard what our interests are.

We have multiple meeting dates set up through the rest of October, and still need to work through economic proposals, including premiums & benefits- and specifically wages!

Our next session is scheduled for October 24.

For additional information, reach out to a Bargaining Team Member or our Union Representative Naomi Oligario at 360-662-1989

Make sure your personal contact information is up to date! Go to ufcw3000.org/update-your-information

North Valley Hospital Tentative Agreement Reached!

On October 5, our Union Bargaining Team met with the Employer to discuss wages and other benefits. We are excited to say that we came to a Tentative Agreement. We worked hard on wages and other improvements to our contract. Please join our Bargaining Team to ask questions about the three-year contract including wages and improvements to the retirement.

Contract Vote: October 16, 2023 from 4PM—7PM in the NVH Board Room

“My first year of negotiations was very enlightening. I greatly appreciate all the hard work from the team. A lot of hard work was put forth in coming to an agreement. We are excited to share with you at the vote. Thank you to everyone that was involved. I am happy with the outcome of this new contract” —Tonya Smith, CNA/HUS

“We are happy with the results of these negotiations. It was an honor to represent all the members of NVH while bargaining. I am hopeful that the outcome of this union contract will meet the expectations of all members” —Jason Daniels, RN

“I am happy we’ve reached an agreement on this contract, with competitive wages to reflect the hard work and dedication of our nurses” —Meagan Vickers, RN

“Bargaining has gone smoothly, and we have reached an agreement that we, the bargaining team, feel will leave employees satisfied” —Michelle Beattie, Rad Tech

The Doctor's Clinic Bargaining Update

“We moved a lot to find middle ground, but their minds were made up before they walked in the door.” —Katie Turek

We bargained on Wednesday October 4 and gave Management a plan to get better wages in people’s pockets but Management believes they are currently paying competitive wages. They think a small wage increase for the next three years will make people happy. We do not agree.

We know our value and understand that The Doctor’s Clinic is making money. Collectively, we need to send a strong message to Management that we are worthy of their respect

Stand up against TDC greed! Come out and support our Bargaining Team!

Contract Action Meeting: Tuesday, October 10 @ 6:00pm at UFCW 3000 Office 3888 NW Randall Way #105, Silverdale WA 98383

For additional information reach out to Union Representative Naomi Oligario (360) 662-1989

Make sure your personal contact information is up to date >>

PRMCE RN Mark October 19 on your calendars!

Mark October 19 on your calendars!

Please save the date: October 19 is a pivotal day for us all.We are returning to the bargaining table on October 10 and 11, with a focus on securing a fair contract that addresses our core concerns. Our primary bargaining priorities revolve around patient safety through improved staffing and competitive wage increases. There are several critical items still under discussion, including anniversary increase progression, staffing language, across-the-board wage increases, premiums, internal equity pay, annual market wage reviews, and recognition for years of experience.

Providence will be responding to these outstanding items, and given the progress we achieved in our last bargaining session on September 26, we have reason to be hopeful about reaching a contract agreement. Although it's important to acknowledge that Providence has committed Unfair Labor Practices during our bargaining process, which has frustrated the process.

In the event we reach an agreement on October 11, we will hold an in-person vote on the contract on October 19. However, if we do not reach a contract agreement, we will be taking the necessary steps toward a strike authorization vote on the same day, October 19.
Stay tuned for more details about the in-person vote in the coming week.To be eligible to vote, you must be a union dues-paying member in good standing.If you are not yet a UFCW 3000 member, please sign a union application at this link:https://join.ufcw.org/join/3000

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of sharing our stories with the community, especially in the event of a strike.We are actively seeking nurses who are willing to speak at community meetings and engage with the media to share our experiences. If you're interested in being a voice for our cause, please reach out to Anthony Cantu at (206) 436-6566.

Additionally, don't forget to spread the word about our podcast with your friends and family:https://rss.com/podcasts/ufcw3000podcast/1138352/

For those of you who are passionate about making a difference and want to take a leading role in positive change, consider becoming a strike captain. Your involvement could have a lasting impact on our profession and the quality of care we provide.

Sign up for this role on our strike pledge page >>
Also, mark your calendars for our upcoming strike captain meeting on October 10 at 8 pm via Zoom >>

As we move forward, remember that our determination remains unwavering. It's our unity and resolve that will lead us to victory. Let's maintain our momentum, support one another, and ensure that our voices are heard. Together, we can secure a contract that benefits both nurses and our patients!

Important Dates to Remember:

• October 30, 2023 - Contract Expires!

• October 19 - In-person Vote for Strike Authorization or Contract Ratification

• October 16 - Meeting with Legislatures

• October 11 - Meeting with Trades Union

• October 10 and 11 - Negotiations with PRMCE

Providence St. Peter Palliative Care RNs Vote Notice

Memorandum Of Understanding Ratification Vote Notice!

Our M.O.U. ratification vote is scheduled for Friday, October 20 at Providence St. Peter Hospital. Our Union Bargaining Team is recommending a “Yes” vote so that we can be added to the larger bargaining unit with the other RNs represented by UFCW 3000 and be placed on the existing wage scale.

Please join us Friday, October 20 in the diagnostic imaging conference room between 11:30AM — 1:30PM to ratify our Memorandum of Understanding!

Directions to the diagnostic imaging conference room: Enter the hospital through the main lobby. Turn left and go to the south lobby. Turn right, passing the reception area and hand swipe the door opener. Go to the end of the hall, turn left, then take an immediate right. Follow that hall and toward the end on the left wall you will see an alcove with two office doors and one to the conference room. There is a sign on the door of the conference room.

Providence St. Peter Palliative Care RN Unit - Tentative Agreement Reached!

On Wednesday, October 4, our Bargaining Team met with the Employer. After a few proposals and counterproposals, we were able to come to a Tentative Agreement with them on the terms of our Memorandum of Understanding! The agreement ensures everyone gets a raise in their placement on the wage scale once we hold a vote to ratify it. It also places us all on the existing UFCW 3000 union wage scale so that we will continue to get raises on our anniversary dates (of hire). Even better, it affords us the protections of the existing union contract and all the benefits within.

What’s next: We will be holding an in-person vote at Providence St. Peter Hospital on Friday, October 20, from 11:30 AM until 1:30 PM so that our coworkers can vote to ratify the Memorandum of Agreement. This will also be an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. We will send out a separate vote notice once we have determined what conference room we will be using.

"We have fought hard for this agreement—and are excited to join the other RNs at Providence St. Peter as members of UFCW 3000!"
—Kim Brown-Rechner, Palliative Care RN

Our Bargaining Team, from left to right:
Crystal Trabue, Palliative Care RN
Kara Evans, Palliative Care RN
Kim Brown-Rechner, Palliative Care RN

WhidbeyHealth Medical Center (ProTech) - Bargaining Continues!

WhidbeyHealth Medical Center (ProTech)
Bargaining Continues!

“For the second bargaining session in a row, we saw nothing new from Management. They proposed inconsistent wage scale changes that we find disappointing.” - Jennifer MacNeill, Medical Technical Lead

Our Union Bargaining Team met with WhidbeyHealth Management on October 3 for a half-day bargaining session. Management provided a counter-proposal to our last economic proposal. While a number of issues are resolved or are closer to being resolved, wage scales continue to be a sticking point.

Our Bargaining Team has been advocating for “across-the-board” percentage wage increases across all steps and job classifications, whereas Management’s proposals have been inconsistent across steps as well as across job classifications. While their proposed market adjustments for wage rates are based on national data, we feel that our specific job market is unique. We also feel that a simple across-the-board raise for everyone would be the fairest idea.

We will continue to work towards a solution both parties can agree to, but are somewhat far apart on what wage scales should look like moving forward.

Our next bargaining session: Thursday, October 12

Bargaining Team: Jennifer MacNeill, Medical Technical Lead; Rosalie Nguyen, Pharmacy

If you have any questions, please call Union Rep Celia Ponce-Sanchez @ 360-409 0574.

Providence St. Peter Hospital (PTAs / COTAs) we delivered our petition

On Thursday, September 29, our Union Bargaining Team met with Management for our third bargaining session. In the morning we presented our joint petition asking PSPH to respect our demands for fair wages for ourselves, as well as the Case Manager and Palliative Care RNs who are currently in negotiations. We had over 140 signatures on this petition from PSPH workers, and RNs from different units showed up to voice their support. Unfortunately, we continue to be unable to get a tentative agreement from PSPH that addresses all of our priorities. Because of this, we will be holding a Contract Action Team meeting on Monday, October 9, to discuss what our next steps may be. The time and location of this meeting will be forthcoming.

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

UFCW 3000 Podcast Episode 8: So what's a union rep anyway?

I know I have a Union Rep, but who are they? What do they do? And what are my "Weingarten Rights" again? Michaela sits down with her Union Rep, Brandan, to hear more about his role and discuss rights on the job, meetings with management, and the many ways members can be involved in enforcing their contract and supporting each other. || UFCW 3000 members: you can look up your union contract and your Union Rep at https://ufcw3000.org/find-a-contract

UFCW 3000 union shop steward Michaela is always ready to answer fellow members’ questions about their union. She’s also a devoted murder podcast listener. Put those interests together, and she decided to start a union podcast to get all her coworkers’ questions and her own questions answered, and to meet as many people as possible who could share what it means to be a part of UFCW 3000. (No murder on this podcast, only solidarity!)

*The information shared on this podcast is offered by rank and file union member leaders of UFCW 3000. There may be inaccuracies or misstatements shared, as members will be speaking from the lenses of their perspectives and life experiences. While members are doing their best to share good information, we can make no claims to 100% accuracy and this podcast should not be construed as legal advice.

PRMCE RN Some movement but not enough!

Our third bargaining session on September 26 was both promising and frustrating. We want to keep you informed about the progress we've made, the challenges we face, and how we can continue to make a difference together.

Firstly, let's acknowledge our collective efforts, which have brought us significant headway in our discussions with Providence. We've reached tentative agreements on more than half of our proposals, and this achievement underscores the power of our unity and persistence.

However, there is still work to be done. Our core priorities revolve around ensuring patient safety through staffing language and securing competitive wage increases. Several critical items, including anniversary increase progression, staffing language, across-the-board increases/wage scale, premiums, internal equity pay, annual reviews of market wages, and recognition for years of experience, are still on the negotiation table.

Providence's recent preparation for a potential strike is a clear sign that our collective actions are making an impact. They are feeling the pressure. 

Our next bargaining sessions on October 10 and 11 offer us another opportunity to make progress. While there has been movement during our discussions, we are committed to achieving a contract which will ensure patient safety.

In addition to our negotiations, it's essential that we continue to share our stories with the community. We are actively seeking nurses who are willing to speak at community meetings and with the media to share our story, please see the meetings listed below. If you're interested in speaking at these events, please reach out to Anthony Cantu at (206) 436-6566.

Don't forget to share our podcast with your friends and family >>

For those of you who are passionate about making a difference and want to be at the forefront of positive change, consider becoming a strike captain. Your involvement could have a lasting impact on our profession and the quality of care we provide.

Sign up for this role on our strike pledge page >>

As we move forward, remember that our determination remains unwavering. It's our unity and resolve that will lead us to victory. Let's maintain our momentum, support one another, and ensure that our voices are heard. Together, we can win a contract which will benefit nurses and our patients!

​In solidarity,

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

Also, mark your calendars for our upcoming strike captain meeting on October 3 at 8pm via Zoom and in-person at the Everett Labor Temple >>

Important Dates to Remember:

• October 30, 2023 - Contract Expires!

• October 16 - Meeting with Legislatures

• October 11 - Meeting with Trades Union

• October 10 and 11 - Negotiations with PRMCE

September 2023 Update: Upcoming Trainings on Our New State Staffing Law – JOIN US!

Union health care workers fought hard for a new staffing law in Washington, and we celebrated together when it passed. Now we’re preparing for the first stages of successful implementation. To get the most out of this statute and hold hospital management accountable for safer staffing, it’s going to require knowledgeable and empowered nurses and other health care workers in every department, on every shift, at every hospital. Here’s how we’re going to get there, together:​

• September 1, 2023: 

  The state Hospital Staffing Advisory Committee has been established and will meet monthly. Among its first tasks is development of a uniform hospital staffing plan form. This committee comprises health care workers and hospital representatives.

• January 1, 2024

  Staffing committees must be established under the new law. These will include RNs, LPNs, CNAs,and other direct patient care staff. 50% of the voting members must be nursing staff.

• July 1, 2024

  New staffing committee charters—covering processes for meetings, attendance, electing co-chairs, reviewing complaints, etc.—must be filed with Dept of Health (DOH). Proposed staffing plans are due to hospital management.

• January 1, 2025:

  Every hospital must submit a final staffing plan to DOH.

• July 1, 2025:

  Hospitals must implement the new approved staffing plans by this date, and begin reporting noncompliance to DOH whenever they fail to meet at least 80% compliance that month.

GET EDUCATED – GET INVOLVED!

Joint SEIU 1199NW / UFCW 3000 / WSNA Trainings in 2023-24:
All trainings will be online, relevant to where we are in the statewide rollout of the staffing law, and whenever possible will be recorded and shared for those who cannot attend live. Contact a representative or organizer from your union to learn more about signing up!

• October 19, 2023: In-depth training for current staffing committee co-chairs and members. Current staffing committee members! RSVP for this training here:

• December 2023: Training for all interested members on everything you need to know about staffing committees and the new staffing law

• February 2024: Training on negotiating your best possible staffing plan

• Late 2024: Training on compliance and accountability through your staffing committee

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MEMBERS ARE SAYING:

“The safe staffing bill has many tools we can use to help immensely with safe staffing. I am deeply passionate and excited to learn more and to get to work, and I invite all my fellow healthcare workers to join me.”

—Craig M. White, RN/PCCN, Providence Everett

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“My coworkers and I spent a lot of energy advocating for this law to pass, so we’re certainly going to learn how to enforce it to the fullest. The big hospitals have a lot of money and a lot of resources to figure out the staffing models they think are best, and we’ll need to match that with knowledge of the law and union power.”

—Edna P. Cortez, RN, Seattle Children’s

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“We know that our unity is our strength in every challenge we face, and the work it will take to successfully implement our safe staffing bill is no exception. Working together across all three of our healthcare unions is how we’re going to kickstart a culture of safety in our hospitals and hold our employers accountable to ensure compliance. As a member of SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, I’m proud to continue working collaboratively with my WSNA and UFCW 3000 siblings to create a united front and tackle the next piece of our implementation plan: healthcare workers’ education.”

—Callie Allen, RN, MultiCare Valley Hospital, Spokane Valley

LabCorp After LabCorp's unacceptable wage proposal - we're taking action!

Last week, we received LabCorp Management’s first economic counterproposal. We had proposed substantial cost of living adjustments and base wage increases for all positions that would put us on par with the University of Washington, LabCorp’s biggest competitor in our area. LabCorp offered base wage increases between 1% and 5%, proposed changing (and for most positions, reducing) percentages between Steps, rejected market adjustments to premiums and differentials, and proposed increasing healthcare costs for every plan option.

When we asked if they seriously thought this economic proposal would fix their staffing problems, they emphasized that this was only their opening offer. We found this insulting and disappointing after months of discussion about the financial struggles we’re all facing and the difficulty LabCorp continues to have recruiting and retaining skilled, dedicated workers.

Because of the hard work of us and our coworkers around the country, LabCorp made record profits during the Covid-19 pandemic. We don’t expect LabCorp to singlehandedly fix the rising costs of housing, childcare, gas, or groceries—but we do expect our employer to pay us fair and competitive wages, provide accessible and affordable healthcare, and proactively support our continuing education. It’s good business sense. It’s best for our patients. It’s the right thing to do.

We deserve better, and we’re going to fight for it!

*UFCW 3000 LabCorp Workers’ Informational Picket has been rescheduled for October 19 from the previous date of October 12!

UFCW 3000 LabCorp members will be outside of James Tower at Swedish Hospital Cherry Hill Campus on October 5 and October 19* to educate our communities, providers, and patients about our fight. All of us need to show up and stand united to win the contract we deserve. We return to the bargaining table in mid-October. Let’s show LabCorp that together, we’re an unstoppable force for change!

LEAFLETING & SIGN-MAKING @ JAMES TOWER: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 - 6:30AM-8:30AM / 11AM-1PM / 3PM-5PM

Swedish Hospital Cherry Hill Campus: 550 17th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

On our day off or on our breaks, we’ll be outside James Tower to share our stories with the community, make picket signs, and get excited about the next actions. Can’t make it? Share your picket sign message or LabCorp-themed chant with us on Slack, Facebook, at work, or with our Union Rep.

INFORMATIONAL PICKET @ JAMES TOWER: OCTOBER 19* from 11AM-1PM

Swedish Hospital Cherry Hill Campus: 550 17th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

We’re taking action and holding our first informational picket of the year to show LabCorp that workers and the community stand united. Let’s send LabCorp a powerful message about our determination to win a fair contract.

Sign the petition for fair wages —and ask your co-workers to sign!

Event-leafleting calendar and community postcards coming soon!

Interested in sharing your story (or your department’s story) on our labor podcast, on our social media, or in an op-ed? Reach out to our Union Rep, Christie Harris.

PRMCE RN Getting Closer!

We had some promising developments from our recent bargaining session with the Hospital's management team. Our third regular bargaining meeting, held in person on September 26, allowed us to engage in productive conversations regarding compensation and staffing – two critical aspects of our negotiations.

In response to our comprehensive proposal submitted on September 20, the Hospital has offered an improved wage package. However, it still falls short of what we see at other hospitals like Swedish Edmonds by the year 2025. While this is progress, we must continue to fight!

During this session, we made significant headway, reaching tentative agreements on more than half of our proposals. This is a testament to our collective strength and determination. Our key priorities remain centered on staffing language that ensures patient safety and competitive wage increases.

As we move forward, there are several critical items still on the table for discussion, including union membership, anniversary increase progression, staffing language, across-the-board increases/wage scale, premiums, internal equity pay, annual reviews of market wages, and recognition for all years of experience. We must stand firm in our commitment to securing the best possible outcomes.

Our public actions and our strike pledge have had a significant impact on PRMCE's willingness to engage in more reasonable proposals. We are making progress, but we will not let up on our actions until we achieve a contract that truly serves our and the community’s best interests.

There’s hope that we may reach a deal on October 10 or 11. But we will not relent until we secure a great contract that honors our dedication, hard work, and commitment to patient care.

Stay united, stay informed, and stay strong! Together, we can achieve the fair contract we deserve.

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