EvergreenHealth Kirkland - Bargaining Continues

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Although we have been making progress bargaining for wages that are equitable to surrounding hospitals, Management has announced they won’t move forward without the help of a mediator, so we are requesting mediation from PERC (Public Employment Relations Commission). We agree that mediation could expedite the process.

The ongoing fight is over wages.

Management initiated and implemented a wage increase earlier this year (6% for most jobs) and says they are unable to fund any additional across-the-board wage increases in 2023.

We recognize the financial challenges of the hospital and want to work with them, but something needs to be done to retain workers NOW! They recognize there is a problem as they are severely short-staffed and struggling to hire. They get it, but seem reluctant to make significant movement.

We are committed to getting a good contract, whatever it takes, and will let you know when we have additional bargaining dates.

For more information, talk to a Bargaining Team member or Union Representative Jack Crow.

Update your contact information!

St. Anne Hospital (Pro-Tech) - Tentative Agreement Reached

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St. Anne Hospital (Pro-Tech)
Tentative Agreement Reached

St. Anne Hospital Bargaining Team: Linda M Sanders, Carlos M Camacho Armas, Michelle A Grennan

Just moments ago, our Union Bargaining Team reached a tentative agreement with Management at St. Anne’s Hospital for our successor pro-tech contract! Our agreement includes the highest wages increases in recent memory along with several other contractual improvements.

We are now in the process of making preparations for the upcoming vote but wanted to share the good news before the weekend. We will provide more details about both the voting process and the tentative agreement early next week so stay tuned!

PRMCE RNs Nurses overwhelmingly vote to authorize a strike!

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“Today we showed that nurses are united for patients’ safety and safe staffing. Providence needs to improve their proposals and show that they care about their nursing staff and patients and the community.” - Our Union RN Bargaining Team 

Today we have taken a unified stance by unanimously authorizing a strike and voting against PRMCE’s latest proposal. We turned out for each other and our community- 97% of nurses who voted authorized a strike and voted down PRMCE’s proposal.  This strike authorization empowers our RN UFCW 3000 bargaining team to call for a strike if deemed necessary. It's important to recognize that a strike represents not just a pause in our work but a collective assertion of our rights and the well-being of our patients.

We are prepared to take this action in response to PRMCE's unfair labor practice, which involve bargaining in bad faith. Our initial step will be to request another bargaining session from PRMCE and if we are unable to reach a recommended offer on that date, we will issue a 10-day strike notice when we deem strategic. Federal law mandates this notice  to ensure that patient care remains unharmed. The mere act of strike authorization itself is a forceful message, compelling Providence to reevaluate their position and acknowledge our proposals.

Our primary demand is that PRMCE engage in good-faith bargaining and cease obstructing the negotiation process. The possibility of averting a strike rests on Providence's ability to present a contract agreement that meets our needs, including provisions for safe staffing accountability, night shift nurse longevity, community responsibility, competitive wage increases, recognition for years of experience, 12-month step progression, and retention bonuses.

During a ULP  strike, we will refrain from reporting to all of our assigned shifts and PRMCE is prohibited by law from hiring permanent replacements. We will strike for a designated amount of days and this will be communicated to all nurses and the Community in a 10 day notice that will include all logistical details and next steps.

All nurses are eligible to strike, including fellows, residents, per diem, and probationary nurses. Nurses who volunteer for strike duty for at least 20 hours per week will be eligible for Union strike benefits of $500. Strike checks will be mailed to nurses’ addresses on file. Additionally, UFCW 3000 maintains a hardship fund to assist members facing particularly challenging financial situations. It is crucial to ensure that your contact information, including email, cell phone, and address, is up to date with the Union to receive updates and vote notices >>

In the coming weeks, be prepared that PRMCE will likely  continue to send intimidating communications, hold meetings, send video messages, post for travel nurses, and put out public notices to the media. STAY UNITED- our participation and unity is what will win safer staffing for us, the next generation of nurses and our patients. It is vital to remember that we have the right to strike- and that our Community is standing with us. If you have questions or would like to sign up to be a Strike Captain on your unit, please notify Union Representative, Anthony Cantu, 206-436-6566.

Open Strike Captain meetings will be held every Tuesday night at 8pm over zoom until we reach an agreement- please join us!

It is important that we stand in solidarity and continue fighting for a contract which will improve staffing, patient safety, and the future of our profession

Why we strike: Q and A

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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.

The initial step involves voting for strike authorization, allowing our nurse bargaining team to initiate a strike. Throughout negotiations, our team assesses the strike's potential impact. There might be instances where a strike is averted as our team deems a ratifiable contract agreement achievable. Strikes fall into two categories: economic and unfair labor practice (ULP). Economic strikes center around concerns like wage increases proposed by the Employer. In contrast, ULP strikes address issues such as the Employer's involvement in unfair labor practices, such as bargaining in bad faith.

The strike's main goal is to pressure the Employer to accept our proposals. In an economic strike, we stay on strike until a tentative contract agreement is achieved. Then, we resume work and vote on the agreement. During a ULP strike, we strike for a designated period. In both situations we will ask to engage in ongoing contract negotiations with the aim of securing a tentative agreement, and subsequently resume work and then hold a vote on the agreement.

Having an updated email, cell phone, and address is vital to making sure you receive updates and vote notices. Your address on file is where the Union will mail Strike benefit checks.

Make sure your contact information is updated with the Union! >>

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WILL I RECEIVE PAY WHILE ON STRIKE?

The Executive Board of UFCW 3000 will vote on strike benefits for nurses who take part in strike duty. Strike benefits will not fully replace our wages but will help. They have approved strike benefits of $500 for nurses, members and non-members, who picket a minimum 20 hours a week. Our Union also has a hardship fund to assist members whose families face particularly difficult financial situations. Additionally, food assistance and other financial assistance may be available through community organizations and other unions. Notify your creditors prior to falling behind. Communicate your situation and explore options for reduced payments or refinancing. Prioritize your expenses, placing essentials like mortgage/ rent, utilities, insurance, car payments, gas, child support, and alimony at the top.

WHAT IF THE EMPLOYER LOCKS US OUT?

If the employer chooses to lockout nurses they have to lockout all nurses including non-union members. Workers locked out by their employers are generally eligible for unemployment benefits. The Employment Security Department will determine eligibility for unemployment benefits on a case by case basis.

WILL I STILL HAVE HEALTHCARE BENEFITS DURING THE STRIKE?

There is a lag month under your insurance plan that would keep your insurance through the end of the month.

HOW LONG WOULD A STRIKE LAST?

The duration of a strike is a strategic decision made by the bargaining team. The 10-day notice given to the Employer would likely be for a 3 or 5 day ULP Strike. The key to a successful strike is a united work force and support from our allies and the patients in the community.

I AM A REPRESENTED BY UFCW 3000, DO I HAVE TO STRIKE? HOW MANY WORKERS WILL IT TAKE FOR A STRIKE TO BE EFFECTIVE?

A large active picket line is vital to a successful strike. Every nurse needs to participate—members of UFCW 3000 or not—to prevent the facility from operating as usual. The more nurses we have out on the line, the harder it is for people to cross it. Being at the picket is also the best way to get the latest information on how the strike is going and to show the community that healthcare workers are united in the strike.

WHAT IF I CHOOSE NOT TO STRIKE? WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF CROSSING THE PICKET LINE?

There are no sanctions imposed on nurses who cross the picket line or choose not to strike. Crossing a picket line will undermine our attempts as nurses to provide a better framework for the future growth of our profession and achieve our negotiating goals. It also erodes the camaraderie in the workplace, prolongs the strike, and negatively impacts our efforts to work as a team once the strike is settled.

WILL I BE REQUIRED TO NOTIFY MY MANIGER IF I DECIDE TO STRIKE?

No, you will not be required to individually notify your manager. Our Union will be providing strike notice to the Hospital if our bargaining committee decides to invoke a strike. If you feel compelled to give them an answer tell them, “Yes I will be striking and standing with my bargaining team’s decision to strike.”

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

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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

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!

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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!

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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! >>

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!

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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!

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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

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“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!

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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

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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!

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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!

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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

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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