PRMCE - Back to the Bargaining Table!

We will be bargaining on January 22, 2023! We're gearing up to head back to the bargaining table with PRMCE, and a federal mediator will be joining us. Before we step into mediation, our bargaining team will carefully analyze the survey results. These results shed light on the priorities and concerns of our bargaining unit.

Remember, the deadline to submit your survey responses is December 31, 2023. If you haven't already completed the survey, you can access it through the link below:

Come January, we'll be sharing a summary of the survey findings via Zoom ahead of our mediation session. Keep an eye out for the scheduled meeting date—we'll promptly share it with you.

Our goal on January 22, 2023, is to tackle the priorities highlighted in the survey. As representatives of the RN bargaining unit, our bargaining team holds the authority to potentially reach a tentative agreement on that day. This tentative agreement will then be subject to a vote. The team will carefully assess various factors, including the survey results, to ensure that any proposal aligns with the unit's priorities.

Your participation and input through the survey is crucial. Let's work together to address our concerns and strive for an agreement that reflects our shared priorities.

For questions or to get more involved, please reach out to Union Rep Anthony Cantu at (206) 436-6566.

Olympic Medical Center Support Services - CONTRACT RATIFIED!

Olympic Medical Center Support Services
CONTRACT RATIFIED!

On December 21 and 22, union members overwhelmingly voted to approve a new Union Contract which includes:

• 18% Wage Increases over 3 years

• Market Increases

• Bonuses

• Differential Increases

• Premium Increases

For additional information contact a Bargaining Team member or Union Rep Aimee Oien @ 360-662-1981.

Update Your Contact Info!
https://www.ufcw3000.org/update-your-information

Willapa Harbor Hospital (RN) Bargaining Begins

Willapa Harbor Hospital (RN)
Bargaining Begins

Our Bargaining Team (L—R): Kenadee Westerback, Robyn Taylor

We have finally started bargaining our union contract with Management after delays due to Management lack of availability.

Our initial contract package proposal included competitive wage increases, premium increases, equity and diversity language, staffing, and reducing health care costs. We had constructive conversations around scheduling, vacations, credit for experience and the hospital's financial status.

We will come back to the table on January 12 for a response to our proposals. We are looking forward to the Management response.

QUESTIONS? Contact a Bargaining Team member or Union Rep Brandan Zielinski @ 206-436-6603

Update Your Contact Info!
https://www.ufcw3000.org/update-your-information

Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center - Bargaining continues

Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center
Bargaining continues

“The Employer actually asked the Bargaining Team to TRUST them when they proposed to eliminate our guaranteed coverage of Health, Vision and Dental insurance. Would you trust Providence?” —Derek Roybal, CV Tech and Bargaining Team member

Our Bargaining Team met with Management on December 18 and had a long discussion about attendance, benefits, and compensation.

While we were able to make significant progress on many issues, the Employer also sent a clear message they want to come after some of the core pillars of our Union contract. This included Management proposal to add language that limits our ability to grieve or arbitrate in many areas of our contract and troublesome language that removes mush of our contractual protections on benefit plans as the wish for us to receive the same as non-represented Employees. We believe in the Union difference and Providence’s proposals clearly show they are attempting to weaken our bargaining unit.

Making matters worse, Management sent conflicting and possibly deceptive information which created the need to take a break and cut bargaining short on December 19.

We will meet again with Providence on January 9, and hope they come to the table ready to work together to address retention and recruitment issues, affordable benefit options, and fair compensation.

Our Bargaining Team is committed to protecting the rights and benefits in our contract. Please contact any of your Bargaining Team members or your Union Rep Juanita Quezada with any questions or concerns.

Join us at our next bargaining update meeting!
Thursday, January 4
6pm — 8pm
UFCW 3000 office, 2805 N. Market St. Spokane WA

Providence Meal Waiver Update

On December 15, Providence rolled out a meal waiver for employees. We sent an information request to all Providence hospitals regarding this meal waiver. We currently recommend that you do not sign the voluntary meal waiver until we better understand the implications of this waiver.

Please refer to the WA meal period law for healthcare workers: Rest Breaks, Meal Periods, and Schedules.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your union rep:

• Anthony Cantu (Providence Everett RNs)
• Jack Crow (Providence Pros and Techs and Providence Credena)
• Brandan Zielinski (Providence St. Peter, Providence Centralia, and Providence Radiant Care)
• Lenaya Wilhelm (Providence Holy Family and Sacred Heart)
• Juanita Quezada (Providence Sacred Heart and Providence St. Mary)
• Amy Radcliff (Providence Mt. Carmel and Providence St. Josephs)

 

PRMCE RN Contract rejected.

Today, December 15, nurses have spoken and have rejected the tentative agreement by a 51% (463 out of 893 cast ballots) and have rejected strike authorization by a 47% (425 out of 893 cast ballots) meaning that we have not reached the necessary two-thirds threshold to authorize a strike.

We will be continuing our quest for improved staffing levels crucial to delivering the quality care our patients and community deserve. Since the beginning, our unwavering dedication to refining staffing language, amplifying our voices within the Hospital Staffing Committee, and aligning with staffing law guidelines has been steadfast.

Nurses have democratically voiced their opinion that the tentative agreement will not do enough to resolve our staffing challenges, but it is a step in the right direction. Our skepticism toward Providence’s resolve to address staffing issues is loud and clear.  

Every individual's commitment is crucial; we urge all to push forward in advocating for better working conditions and superior patient care.

Your invaluable insights are needed now more than ever. We seek your guidance on where to focus our attention for our next bargaining session. Your voices remain integral in charting our path forward in this ongoing journey toward improved working conditions and unwavering dedication to superior patient care.

What to expect for next steps: 

• UFCW will inform Providence that the contract was rejected and request bargaining dates to return to the bargaining table.

• A Union Survey will be sent out to all nurses to hear feedback on what you would like to see specifically improved in the contract offer.

• The Bargaining Team will meet to review the surveys and strategize on how best to address those issues

Providence St. Peter Hospital RN - Case Manager Rns Bargaining Update!

Our bargaining team met with management on Tuesday, December 12. While we have not come to a tentative agreement, we have made it clear, and management has grasped, that we have no interest in a wage scale that is different (and economically worse) than the existing RN scale. At this point, management has not agreed to any retroactive pay, and we still have not reached a consensus on where our years of experience would place us on the wage scale.

We appreciate the supermajority of our coworkers signing strike pledge cards! We will be holding another Contract Action Team meeting to discuss next steps and get your input. This will be held at the Olympia Center, located at 222 Columbia St. NW, Olympia, WA, 98501, on January 4 at 5:00 PM in Room 101.

Please reach out to us or Union Representative Brandan Zielinski (206 436 6603) with any questions.

Bargaining Team, left to right: Alison Studeman, Case Manager RN; Melissa Macchiarella, Case Manager RN; Mary Briles, Case Manager RN.

WhidbeyHealth Professional and Technical Contract Ratified!

On Wednesday, December 13, the WhidbeyHealth collective bargaining agreement for professional and technical workers was ratified, with 98% of those voting “Yes” to approve the tentative agreement!

Our Bargaining Team wishes to congratulate everyone on their contract and thank them for their patience throughout 2023 as we negotiated this agreement.

Ratification bonuses of $1,200 pro-rated by FTE (for instance, a .5 FTE will receive $600) will be on our pay checks this December 22, less standard deductions.

“We are happy to have been able to help facilitate settling this contract. Getting paid for our ‘real’ experience is huge! We’re always looking for co-workers to get involved in this process to help continue to support one another.”- Jennifer MacNeill, Medical Technical Lead

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

Lourdes Medical Center RN Tentative Agreement reached for contract extension and wage increases for all Nurses

In an attempt to address the immediate retention and recruitment issues at Lourdes Medical Center, our Bargaining Team and Administration met to discuss the possibility of extending the current contract with increases to compensation and some other changes.

After two long days of conversations, we were able to reach a tentative agreement that will close the gap in compensation with our geographic competitor. We believe the increases will help our hospital with retention and recruitment.

Our Bargaining Team worked hard and made sure that there were substantial economic increases, increases to PTO accrual, an addition step to the top of the scale, and premiums were increased in many areas including Charge Nurse, On-Call, Night shift differential, Preceptor, and a new SANE premium.

“Competitive wages are an absolute must to recruit and retain nurses. We believe this proposal achieves that goal and makes me very happy.” — Jennifer Powell RN

“It is great to be part of a Union that always has the members’ best interest in mind and supports our efforts in achieving those interest.” — Holly Kelly RN

“I feel accomplished and fulfilled in being part of a successful negotiation in this expedited process. It is a validation of our hard work, dedication, and the value we brought to the table as a team.” — Jessica Leon RN

Please join our Bargaining Team in voting YES!

December 27, 2023 any time between 6:30am to 8:00am and 11:00am to 2:00pm in the Carondolet Room next to the cafeteria.

A complete document of the contract and the new wage scale will be available at the vote along with our Bargaining Team to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have.

You must be a member in good standing to be eligible to vote. Please reach out to Union Representative Juanita Quezada with any questions at 509-340-7407.

LabCorp - Ho! Ho! Ho! LabCorp is Still On The Naughty List!

Our Bargaining Team: Nancy Pyanowski, Kyle Chrisman, Sam McVay, Lisa Magee, Matt Noll, Shelby Tyner, Deborah Gibby  

“We’re finding common ground on non-economic proposals, but LabCorp continues to offer wages and benefits that just aren’t competitive. We all need to get ready to take action and fight for the contract we deserve in the new year.” 
— Lisa Magee, Hematology

On Monday, we met with LabCorp to negotiate our union contract. We’re making progress on some of our non-economic proposals, including improvements to our union stewards and new hire orientation language. Management responded to our economic proposal (updated for the Seattle 2024 minimum wage) from last session. They walked back their proposed decreases to the percentages between steps and increased their base pay offer for some positions by 5¢ to 25¢. We’re frustrated by this small, slow movement, but we took an opportunity to try to come closer to agreement by sharing and compiling our market research. 

It’s no secret that LabCorp is struggling to hire and keep talented lab workers. We’re understaffed, overworked, and undervalued. Management acknowledges these issues, but we’re half a year into negotiations and they’re still not offering real solutions. We need LabCorp to put its money where its mouth is and come to the table with fair and competitive wages and benefits at our next session on Dec 18.

WHEN WE FIGHT, WE WIN

We’re going to give LabCorp the holiday present it deserves – our petition demanding fair pay! Hundreds of our union members have already signed their names but we need your help to get to 75% by next Monday, December 18. 

>> Sign the Petition!

Already Signed?
Find a coworker who hasn’t yet and talk to them about how important it is to stand together! Every single person makes a difference.

CAT MEETING – UPDATES & PLANNING JANUARY ACTIONS

Please join us this Sunday at 6:30 PM for a virtual meeting to learn more about what’s happening at the bargaining table. We’ll review the employer’s latest offer then discuss how we will engage our communities and coworkers to win a strong contract. All questions are welcomed and encouraged!

Sunday, December 17, 2023 
6:30 PM – 7:30PM

Contact your Bargaining Team or Union Rep for call-in details. Details will be also emailed out.

Your voices are wanted! 

Call Christie at (206) 436-6606 (landline) to discuss the different ways you can share your story. Use your strength to inspire and empower your coworkers!

>> For the latest bargaining updates, a copy of your contract, our Facebook and Slack, and more.

Olympic Medical Center Support Services Tentative Agreement Reached! CONTRACT VOTE Scheduled

An earlier version of this vote notice read that the Port Angeles vote on Friday, December 22 ran from "11:00PM to 5:00PM". The correct time is 11:00AM to 5:00PM. Thank you for your patience!

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Tentative Agreement Reached! CONTRACT VOTE Scheduled

After several months of bargaining, we have reached a tentative agreement. Highlights of the Tentative Agreement Include: 18% Wage Increases over 3 years, Bonuses, Differential and Premium Increases. Only members in good standing are eligible to vote.

Contract Vote Details:

Sequim: Thursday December 21 3:00pm to 5:30pm

Medical Services Building (MSB): Conference Room 840 N 5th Avenue Sequim WA 98382

Port Angeles: Friday December 22 8:00am-10:00am

PFS Building: 519 S. Peabody St. Basement Breakroom Port Angeles, WA 98362

Port Angeles: Friday December 22 11:00Am to 5:00pm

Olympic Medical Center: Fairshter Meeting Room 939 Caroline Street Port Angeles WA 988362

For additional information contact a Bargaining Team Member or our Union Representative Aimee Oien 360-662-1981

Cascade Valley Security Officers and MSWs - Successful First Day—More Dates Scheduled

BARGAINING TEAM: Carl Ramirez (Security Officer), Lisa Warriax (MSW)

“We received a wage proposal which gives us hope that Cascade Valley wants to engage in productive talks with us. We will keep going forward from here!”

Early this year we won our union election for Security Officers and MSWs. Our bargaining team met in the Fall and drafted proposals which would achieve parity with Skagit Regional, increase retention, and bolster recruitment efforts.

On December 12 we had our first bargaining session with the Cascade Valley’s management and had a successful day. Our proposal is for the existing Cascade Valley collective bargaining agreement to extend to security officers and MSWs. In addition, we proposed wage scales and other compensation for both classifications. Throughout an intense day of negotiations, we’ve already made headway, particularly in refining seniority language for both groups and establishing wage guidelines for Security Officers. Recognizing the significance of seniority in scenarios like job applicant tiebreakers, layoffs, and scheduling, we succeeded in establishing that our original date of hire with Cascade Valley would serve as our seniority date.

In our pursuit of equitable treatment, we firmly pushed back against the Employer’s proposals and stand united in advocating for wage parity. The battle for parity will continue in our upcoming sessions scheduled for January 4 and 18.

Congratulations 2023 Essential Workers Organizing Academy Graduates!

In April 2023, we began our first Essential Workers Organizing Academy (EWOA) cohort, hiring eight full-time and one-half time “apprentice organizers.” Candidates were drawn from UFCW 3000 members in healthcare and grocery, as well as from external organizing campaigns and a general applicant pool.​

The program was broken up into three distinct phases: training, internal organizing, and external organizing/preparing for strikes. ​Training included exercises and readings about how to conduct organizing conversations and campaigns, learning about the history of unionization and organizing workers, presentations from guest speakers, and visits to both union and non-union worksites. Apprentice organizers supported on campaigns that included Macy’s, Bartell Drugs, Fred Meyer(s), PCC, Providence-Everett, as well as political and community projects. ​

Congratulations to the EWOA class of 2023!

Post-EWOA, our goal is to help every apprentice organizer who wants to continue in the labor movement to find a job either with this union or another movement organization. 

UFCW 3000 Member Story: Kyle Chrisman

Kyle Chrisman

Kyle Chrisman has been working at LabCorp for almost 18 years on Capitol Hill as a phlebotomist. Kyle is dedicated to his patients and coworkers, which is why he fights so hard to build collective power on the job. Kyle is currently serving on the LabCorp union bargaining committee. Phlebotomist union members at LabCorp have often had their concerns ignored by their employer and Kyle is ensuring that LabCorp hears them loud and clear during negotiations.

LabCorp is having trouble staffing and retaining workers and union members know why, LabCorp needs to provide competitive wages and benefits. The City of Seattle recently announced that the minimum wage within city limits would be going up 6.85%, which helps workers keep pace with the increased costs of living and working in the city. Instead of proposing a wage scale based on the percentage, LabCorp simply bumped all positions that were under the new minimum wage rate of $19.97. This compresses the scale so that several of the steps are at the same rate. LabCorp then maintained their offer of below-market raises, decreased percentages between steps above minimum wage, and higher health care costs.

Kyle and his fellow bargaining committee members know that is simply not realistic when it comes to making ends meet and safely caring for patients. That is why the bargaining committee updated their proposal to reflect the effects of the new minimum wage throughout their wage instead of just meeting it like LabCorp.

Stay tuned as Kyle and his fellow union members fight for a better contract and better patient care, they have already held one info picket are prepared to take further action to ensure a fair contract!

Mason Health RN - Bargaining Continues

Bargaining Team (Left to Right): Tori Willis, Megan Corbin, Nancy Ownby

We have been negotiating since the beginning of October and have made many proposals for competitive and equitable wages, premiums and benefits along with addressing fair distribution of work. Management has been receptive, but slow in responding. On December 4, 2023, we received an economic response. We are reviewing Management’s proposal package and will respond with a counter-proposal at our next session on December 13.

Nurses need to be valued for our essential work. Retention and recruitment should motivate Management to provide competitive wages and benefits. This is critical to ensuring the best care at Mason Health for our community.

We want this contract to reflect Mason Health’s Mission:

“United Community, Empowered People, Exceptional Health.”

For additional information, talk to a bargaining team member or to Union Representative Naomi Oligario (360) 662-1989.

PRMCE RN Contract Votes set for December 15!

After almost eight months of negotiations, we have reached a tentative agreement with Providence Everett (PRMCE)! From the beginning our goal was to improve staffing to ensure our patients and community would receive the quality care we so desperately want to give them.

We are the first hospital in WA state to have binding mediation for unresolved chronic staffing issues and a staffing premium for RNs when their unit is staffed below the Hospital Staffing Committee’s staffing plan, which is created by nurses and nurse managers. 

We won language on market analysis triggers and a full contract opener 6 months earlier in April 2026, meaning we can get to the table as early as January 2026 to negotiate a new agreement and remain competitive with other hospitals.  

The tentative agreement is fully recommended by a majority of the bargaining team!  

Union members in good standing will have a choice to approve or reject the tentative agreement and approve or reject a strike via an online vote on December 15 from 6:30am to 8pm. All voting will occur online, and we will hold optional in-person meetings at the Colby and Pacific/Pavilion campuses: Colby Campus in the MOB Olympic Room from 6am to 9am; 11am-2pm; 5pm-8pm and at Pacific Campus in PAV 5 from 6am to 9am; 11am-2pm; 5pm-8pm.  

Please stop by so we can share how the new 12 month progression calculation positively affects your wage increases.  

On Friday December 15 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 >> 

If you have not signed your UFCW 3000 Membership Application yet , please make sure that is done as soon as possible so you can vote! Go to join.ufcw.org/join/3000 

Join us for a Zoom meeting Monday December 11 from 6pm to 9pm to discuss and answer questions about the tentative agreement document.

"United, we've proven our strength to Providence. Let's enforce this contract, safeguard patient care, and keep our nursing family strong. Our solidarity is unwavering—we'll fight on, legislatively and in our workplace, ensuring patient safety and nurses’ well being.” Carrie Rimel Cath Lab RN

Frequently Asked Questions

Did we win a 3 year contract or 2.5 year contract? 

We won a 3 year contract expiring 10/30/2026 with the right to fully open the contract at 2.5 years, 90 days prior to April 30, 2026. This means the Union or PRMCE can open contract in January 2026 for bargaining and build a campaign up to potential strike after April 30, 2026. The entire contract will open including the No Strike Lockout article. It would be an Unfair Labor Practice for Providence to refuse to bargain with us after the contract is opened.  

Will we receive EIB on day one of a regular illness? Yes, nurses can now use their EIB for an illness. You can choose to use your PTO or EIB for that day.

For the extra shift incentive, if a nurse picks up a shift and that puts the unit at 85% staffed, does everybody else who picked up an extra shift receive straight time?

No they will post for extra shift incentive after the final schedule has been posted. If anyone picks up an extra shift they will receive the extra shift incentive even if that puts the unit above 80% staff. The contract language we won is like Providence St. Peter and Providence Centralia. This staffing premium also applies to the float pool. 

View the Vote Document and Hospital Wage Comparison document here >>

Providence St. Peter Hospital - Physical Therapy Assistant and Occupational Therapist Assistant - Memorandum of Agreement Ratified!

Providence St. Peter Hospital - Physical Therapy Assistant and Occupational Therapist Assistant
Memorandum of Agreement Ratified!

Our union Bargaining Team is happy to announce our tentatively agreed memorandum of understanding (MOU) that brings us into the UFCW 3000 Professional and Technical collective bargaining agreement (CBA) was ratified by a vote of our members on Tuesday, December 5.

New wages and step placement will have an effective date of December 17, 2023. Members will see the pay changes on their January 5, 2024, paycheck. All working conditions and benefits not mentioned specifically in the M.O.U. are now covered by the UFCW 3000/Providence St. Peter Hospital Collective Bargaining Agreement for professional and technical workers.

QUESTIONS? Reach out to our Bargaining Team members or call Union Rep Brandan Zielinski @ 206-436-6603.

Our Providence St. Peter Bargaining Team: Cynthia Miner, Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant; Heidi Ranger-Geh, Physical Therapy Assistant

Olympic Medical Center (ProTech) - Contract Ratified

Olympic Medical Center (ProTech)
Contract Ratified

On November 30 and December 1, workers overwhelmingly voted YES to ratify a new Union Contract.

Highlights of the contract include:

• 7% wage increase paid the first full pay period following ratification

• Market increases for many jobs

• 2024: 6% wage increase, first full pay period following March 31, 2024

• 2025: 6% wage increase, first full pay period following March 31, 2025

• $1000 bonus prorated based on FTE in each of 2024 and 2025

• New Step 13 added in 2024 for all positions at 2% higher than Step 12

• Shift differential: $3.00 Evening/$5.00 Nights

• $4.00 standby

• Callback/call-in on day off at two times the normal rate of pay

• $3.25 lead pay

• $4.50 weekend premium

• LOU for hazardous drug mixing

• $2.00 certification premium

For more information, contact Union Rep Aimee Oien @ 360-662-1981.

LabCorp - 2024 Seattle Minimum Wage

LabCorp
2024 Seattle Minimum Wage

“We dug into the pay scale and worked hard to make sure our proposals were equitable, competitive, and reflect the value of our work. We feel like we came up with a fair offer and now we’re looking ahead towards the actions we need to take to win.” —Shelby Tyner, Med Tech and Bargaining Team member

In September, LabCorp gave us their insulting opening economic proposal. In October, we stood together to demand better. We held our powerful first informational picket of the year outside Swedish Cherry Hill to start bringing our patients, providers, and community into our fight for fair and competitive wages.

At the end of October, Seattle announced its 2024 minimum wage rate: $19.97, up from $18.69. The 6.85% increase is a win for all of us working in the city and struggling to keep up with the rising costs of living and commuting. This increase meant LabCorp needed to give us a new economic proposal, as their offer would have put many positions below the 2024 minimum. It confirmed what we had already been telling them at the table: the wages they’re offering don’t meet our needs and LabCorp must do better if they want to recruit and retain great Lab workers.

In November, our economic negotiations were essentially reset. But despite an opportunity to come with a stronger offer, LabCorp simply bumped all positions that were under the new minimum rate to $19.97, compressing the scale. They maintained their offer of below-market raises, decreased percentages between steps, and higher health care costs.

While our wage proposal was already higher than the 2024 minimum, we made adjustments to reflect the new rate and gave it to LabCorp at our session on November 29.

LabCorp has told us to expect a full counter proposal to everything that is on the table at our next session on December 11. Join our next virtual Contract Action Team (CAT) meeting to discuss their counter and plan our next steps to win a fair contract!

Your VOICE matters!

It’s time for us to show LabCorp that we are brave, united, and will not be undervalued. We all deserve better so we are all signing our names to demand fair and competitive pay.

Join our CAT meeting Via Zoom

Sunday, December 17 @ 6:30 - 7:30pm
Contact a Bargaining Team member or Union Rep for meeting details. Details will also be sent your email.

Sign our petition now!form.jotform.com/232136709410348

ALREADY SIGNED? Talk to your coworkers, spread the word, and help us reach our goal of 75% union members standing together!

Find our union contract, membership application, Facebook, Slack, and more at: linktr.ee/labforce3000

Our LabCorp Bargaining Team: Lisa Magee, MLT; Deborah Gibby, Lab Assistant; Sam McVay, Client Services Rep; Shelby Tyner, Med Tech; Nancy Pyanowski, Dispatcher; Kyle Chrisman, Patient Services Tech; Matt Noll, Cytogenetics Tech; Union Rep Christie Harris

WhidbeyHealth Pro-Tech Contract Votes Scheduled

On November 28 and November 30 our Bargaining Team met again with the Employer to negotiate. While continuing to try to come to an agreement over economic issues, and in particular the wage scale, we were somewhat surprised that the Employer presented us with a Last, Best, and Final offer on all outstanding issues. This means that a vote on what that offer is will be forthcoming on Wednesday, December 13. While we had not expected to have to make this decision quite yet, we are recommending a “Yes” vote to ratify the offer.

Some of the highlights include:

• Wage parity as of April 1, 2024: We secured agreement that WhidbeyHealth would recognize past experience for represented workers at 100%. Many of our more senior employees who may be in the middle of the wage scale would move up the scale if they have more years of experience in their job classification than the step they are on actually represents. This will happen in the coming year if we approve the contract.

• Market adjustments of wage scales: When the mid-cycle wage bargain happened in 2022 the result was that many people further up the scale received increases that put them ahead of what workers earn at competing hospitals. This also resulted in workers on the earlier steps of the wage scale earning less than what workers earn at competing hospitals. Thus, management concentrated on increases at the lower steps in this bargaining cycle.

• Ratification bonuses: If we ratify the contract with a “Yes” vote on Wednesday, December 13, we will receive $1,200 ratification bonuses pro-rated by FTE. For example if you are a .5, you will receive $600.

Contract Votes: Wednesday, December 13

Main Hospital Coupeville HEC Room C: 5:00am—8:00am, 12pm—2:00pm, 5:00pm—8:00

Clinic 1: Oak Harbor-Cabot Break Room: 3:30pm—4:30pm

Clinic 2: Oak Harbor -Goldie Conference Room: 2:30pm—3:00pm

Clinic: Freeland Break Room: 10:00am—10:30am

Clinic: Clinton Break Room: 9:00am—9:30am

We look forward to seeing you at the following times to discuss the offer and vote on it. Members in good standing are eligible to vote.

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