PRMCE RN Contract Ratified!

Contract Ratified!

We've reached a significant milestone: on February 21, we successfully ratified our contract!An overwhelming majority of nurses approved the contract. We will be communicating participation numbers via text message and will be hosting a Zoom meeting where we will debrief the contract agreement. This victory includes groundbreaking contract language aimed at helping staffing challenges, marking a historic achievement for nurses. From the outset of negotiations, our primary focus has been to tackle the pressing issues of staffing shortages and patient safety concerns head-on. Throughout the bargaining process, we actively engaged with our patients and community to underscore the urgency of our staffing crisis.

Following months of intense negotiations, we collectively decided to take bold action by organizing a strike. Notably, this marks the first time RNs at PRMCE have taken such action. Through our unified stance, we sent a powerful message to PRMCE. Our new contract has not only set a precedent but also shown PRMCE that we are willing to fight for better staffing. 
Our new contract includes:

• Pay increases and ratification bonuses will be paid out on the second pay period following February 21 (April 12 paycheck)

• 12 month step progression on nurse’s anniversary dates

• Step correction for nurses who are at the incorrect step compared to their years of service at PRMCE

• One step for every year of nursing experience obtained prior to being hired at PRMCE

• Step correction for nurses who did not receive their correct step upon hire  

• $500 Monthly Staffing Bonus for Understaffing

• Longevity Bonus for Senior RNs

• Night Shift Longevity Bonus

• March 31, 2026 contract reopener

• Extra shift incentive for vacant shifts

• $1000 Ratification Bonus for all RNs

• Increases to premiums

• 12 months needed to progress to next wage step

• Year for year for past nursing experience

• Chronic staffing issue can be resolved through binding mediation

• Charge Nurses shall NOT take a patient assignment

• Christmas Eve or December 26th holiday pay for night shift RNs

• 1.5x pay when not scheduled off on a day of significance

• Break relief position will be posted 21 days post ratification

• Discuss implementation plan for break relief nurses in a closed unit

• Weekend pay for Sunday night shift

• EIB may be used on the first day of absence or illness

• Boarder premium pay

• 24 hours of admin pay for Hospital Staffing Committee chairs

We will need to stay active over the next few years to enforce our contract and continue advocating for our patients and community. If you would like to get active in a workplace committee or receive training as a union steward please contact Anthony Cantu 360-409-0544.

Know your Rights! Providence Meal Waiver>>

Conifer St. Joseph & Conifer St. Elizabeth Union Meeting!

Wednesday, February 28
6:30 – 7:30pm
Online via Zoom 
All members welcome! 

We’re holding a bargaining kick-off meeting for all Conifer St. Joseph and St. Elizabeth members on Wednesday February 28th from 6:30 to 7:30pm. Join us online via Zoom to meet your team, get an introduction to collective bargaining, and share your goals for upcoming contract negotiations. Questions and discussion are welcome. 

Didn’t receive an email invitation? Update your contact information here. 

If you have any concerns about accessibility or using Zoom, please contact your Union Representative, Ian Jacobson, at 360-409-0587. 

Willapa Harbor Hospital - Contract Vote Scheduled

WILLAPA HARBOR HOSPITAL
CONTRACT VOTE SCHEDULED

We are happy to announce that we have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract! Our Union Bargaining Team fully recommends this tentative agreement.

Highlights include:

• Significant wage increases for all Nurses

• Increases to premiums and differentials » Increased tuition reimbursement

• Increased Employer retirement Contribution

• Vacation scheduling language improvements

To vote you must be a union member in good standing.

If you or a coworker did not receive this notice, update your contact information at: ufcw3000.org/update-your-information

VOTE DETAILS
Wednesday February 28 @ 3pm — 7pm
Willapa Harbor Hospital — Cedar Conference Room, 800 Alder St, South Bend, WA, 98586

For additional information reach out to a Bargaining Team Member or Union Rep Madison Derksema @ 206-436-6603.

Discovery Behavioral Health - Contract Ratified

Our Bargaining Team, (L—R): Patrick Hart, Case Manager; Lenora Johnson, Case Manager; Heather Hammett, Administrative Assistant

“This new agreement is a positive step forward for our agency!” ­­—Lenora Johnson, Case Manager and Bargaining Team member

On February 14, our new Union contract was ratified! Our Union Bargaining Team thanks all of our coworkers for turning up to vote in favor of the tentative agreement!

If there are any questions about the new contract please ask any of our Union Bargaining Team members or call Union Rep Naomi Oligario (360) 662 1989.

Providence St. Peter Case Manager RNs - Tentative Agreement Reached - Our RN Bargaining Team fully recommends a YES vote

Providence St. Peter Case Manager RNs
Tentative Agreement Reached
Our RN Bargaining Team fully recommends a YES vote

Our Bargaining Team (L–R): Alison Studeman, Case Manager; Melissa Macchiarella, Case Manager; Mary Briles, Case Manager

“This tentative agreement will set a precedent for recognition of all types of previous nursing experience in the upcoming 2025 contract bargain in addition to placing Case Managers on the union wage scale now.”—Mary Briles, Case Manager RN

On February 15, our Union Bargaining Team met with Management, and after nearly a year of bargaining reached a tentative agreement!

We were able to win all provisions of the current nursing contract for all RN Case Managers. We fought tirelessly to be placed onto the existing RN wage scale for UFCW 3000 members. We were able to get Management to agree to recognize all years of nursing experience, including all subacute areas of nursing practice.

We will be holding the ratification vote on Friday, February 23. In order to vote you will need to fill out a union membership application at the vote.

Contract vote details
Friday, February 23 @ 11am—2pm
Providence St. Peter Hospital, Nisqually Conference Room

Directions to the Nisqually Conference Room:

• Upon entering the main entrance of the hospital, head right and travel past the information desk until you see the “Main Elevators” wall. You will have passed Starbucks on your left hand side.

• Take the “Main” elevator to Floor 2 (Café Level).

• Exit left off the elevator on the 2nd Floor. Turn right at the entrance to Cabrini’s (Café). Continue on this main corridor, through the cafeteria, off to the left, then right and go down the hall until you can turn right, then take the first left, then go right past the Lab and the Nisqually Room is at the end of the hallway.

Providence Sacred Heart Technical Bargaining Update

We met with the Employer again on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 and although the Employer moved off of the Medical benefits guarantee elimination, they continue to propose the elimination of guaranteed language for dental that is currently protected by the contract. The Employer stated that they want us to have the same benefits as non-represented employees, and not the same benefits as other represented employees such as your RNs and Service & Maintenance co-workers. The bargaining team feels there was minimal movement made and we have a long way to go. We will continue to push back at bargaining table on February 22, 2024 against Employer proposals like eliminating language in Article 13.6, that guarantees the employer pays 100% of Dental Premium for Full-Time employees and at least 50% for dependents. We will also continue to push for significant movement on wage increases to help recruit and retain staff, which we believe would improve staffing and patient care.

We have had reports of Management bringing around a bargaining update that shows what the Employer’s last proposal was. We have been told that it is not posted and only being shown by Management.

WHY? We believe that what they are showing employees is only a partial proposal that does not show the proposal to eliminate language in Article 13.6.

It is an unfair labor practice for Management to coerce members or to interfere in Union activities. Please advise your bargaining team or Union Representative if you believe your manager has engaged in any type of this behavior.

If you have not already done so please join your coworkers in signing the strike pledge

We encourage members to join their bargaining team and co-workers at the UFCW 3000 office for a bargaining update meeting to get updates and hear about next steps on February 27. We will also be holding a Strike Authorization Vote on March 1, 2024:

Bargaining Update Meeting

February 27

• 6pm - 8pm

Strike Authorization Vote

March 1, 2024

• 8am - 11am
• 1pm - 4pm
• 5pm - 8pm

UFCW 3000 office

2805 N. Market Street, Spokane, WA

As a member of your bargaining team, we are working very hard to bring our co-workers a contract we feel is fair and protects our benefits.

—Angela Holmes, Surgical Tech

We should not only be compared to local hospitals but also to Hospitals of similar size and services. We need to have competitive wages that reflect the work we do.

—Lee Lidman, IR CV Tech

Better wages lead to better staffing, which leads to better patient care. We have been working additional shifts for over 2 years. If the employer put that additional incentive pay into the wage scale, we would be able to recruit and retain experienced staff.

—Joe Sikkila, Respiratory Therapy

Northwest Center Early Supports - History Made

Northwest Center Early Supports
History Made

“We did it!!! It was so awesome to see everyone in person together today and we look forward to future conversations together about how we can make NWC the best place to work and serve families.” —Our Bargaining Team: Jenica Barrett, Kimberly Burns, Kaylee Ainge, and Kirsten Syberg

Today we overwhelmingly voted in favor and ratified our first Union Contract—and one of the first Union contracts for Early Supports workers in the country. We are excited about the foundational language and groundwork this sets for the next 3 years- and hope that it will help us retain and recruit staff, improve working conditions, and advocate for ourselves and the families we serve.

If you did not complete your Union membership application today, please take a moment to join your coworkers by completing the application online: https://join.ufcw.org/join/3000

Next Steps: As of today, our new contract, rights, and benefits go into effect. Within the next week, NWC Leadership will release a survey to gather information regarding wage enhancements. Please respond as soon as possible, so that the process of determining wage placement can move forward in a timely manner.

Please join us for our first Know Your Rights Meeting! We will discuss our rights to representation, new job protections, scholarship opportunities, other benefits, and how we would like to meet going forward.

Know Your Rights- Early Supports Union Mtg

Wednesday, February 28 @ 5pm
Contact a Bargaining Team member for Zoom details

If you have questions or would like to get more involved, please reach out to Union Rep Ian Jacobson @ 206-436-6550.

Contract page
https://ufcw3000.org/find-your-contract/2023/6/13/northwest-center

Follow us on our social media!
Facebook: Early Supports Union & Twitter/X: @earlysupportsunion

PRMCE RN Contract votes set for February 20 & 21

We've achieved a significant milestone! On February 9, 2024, a tentative agreement was reached with PRMCE after ten months of negotiations and persistent advocacy. This marks a historic moment in our journey towards enhancing staffing levels and prioritizing patient safety.

Given the new language in our tentative agreement, we believe voting in-person is the best way to inform one another and ensure that we are prepared to enforce the collective bargaining agreement. We’ll also discuss opportunities for nurses to become stewards and actively engage in Hospital Staffing Committee. If you are on medical leave or on PTO outside of the State and cannot vote in-person, we encourage you to reach out to Anthony Cantu, union representative. This will allow us to review the tentative agreement with you and answer your questions.

The vote document will be available for all to read on February 16 on the UFCW 3000 PRMCE RN contract page: ufcw3000.org/find-your-contract/2015/2/12/providence-regional-medical-center-everett-rn-contract ▸

To vote for the tentative agreement, you must attend an in-person vote and be a union dues paying member in good standing. You can sign up to be a union member on the day of our vote or by calling Membership Services 1-866-210-3000 prior to the vote.

Our RN union Bargaining Team fully recommends a “YES” vote.

In-person vote information:

February 20: 7am-9am, 11am-2pm, 5-8pm @ Pacific Campus: CR Main Floor classroom / Colby Campus: Cascade Conference Room (MOB)

February 21: 7am-9am, 11am-2pm @ Pacific Campus: CR Main Floor classroom / Colby Campus: Cascade Conference Room (MOB)

Mason Health RNs Contract Vote Set

We are happy to announce that after months of bargaining for a new contract we have reached a tentative agreement. Details of the tentative agreement will be available at drop-in informational meetings on February 20 and 21. The vote will be held on February 23.

Our Bargaining Committee is fully recommending a yes vote.

Highlights of the tentative agreement include:

• Significant wage increases

• New wage scale competitive with Olympia hospitals

• Higher Differentials and Premium Pay

• Improvements to Earned Time and Sick Leave process

learn more about the changes to our contract:

Tuesday, February 20: 11am-2pm and 4pm-8pm
Ellinor & Pershing Meeting Rooms, Mason Health 901 Mountain View Drive, Shelton WA 98585

Wednesday February 21: 8:30am-12:30pm
Washington Room, Mason Health 901 Mountain View Drive, Shelton WA 98585

In person contract Vote on the new contract:

Friday February 23: 11am-2pm and 4pm-8pm
Ellinor & Pershing Meeting Rooms, Mason Health 901 Mountain View Drive Shelton WA 98584

For additional information reach out to one of our union Bargaining Committee member: Tori Willis, Megan Corbin, Nancy Ownby.

MultiCare Health System Bargaining Begins for the MultiCare Big 9!

“I’ve been with MultiCare for fourteen years and this is my first time joining the Negotiating Committee. MultiCare has changed so much since I started here, and I just feel less and less valued. They’ve continued to take stuff away from us and one day I went and found my Union rep, and I said alright, I’m ready to take an active role in my future here!” —Catherine Cox-Shaffer, Radiology Technologist at Tacoma General

On Thursday, February 8, our Union Negotiating Committee met with MultiCare for our first day of contract negotiations for “The Big 9” Contracts!

The term “The Big 9” refers informally to the nine UFCW-MultiCare contracts that cover union members at Tacoma General Hospital, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, Allenmore Hospital, Auburn Medical Center, Tacoma Family Medicine, and various MultiCare clinics. These contracts, negotiated collectively, include at least one member from each contract on our Negotiating Committee.

Our initial proposal to the Employer included proposed improvements on preceptor pay, floating, rest between shifts and language that strengthens our union’s presence at the workplace.

However, our Negotiating Committee doesn’t plan to propose significant changes to most of our contracts. Our union bargaining surveys made it very clear that members want the committee to prioritize wages and benefits, therefore, we don’t want to spend too much time on other proposals. Doing so would only delay improvements to wages and benefits.

Our Committee is currently reviewing market data and plans to make an informed economic proposal to MultiCare in early March.

As our Committee continues it’s work, your attendance at Contract Action Team (CAT) meetings is crucial so that you stay informed about the latest developments in our fight of a fair contract. We’ve seen a lot of our coworkers at the Contract Action Team Meetings- but we want to see you!

Stay up to date on all-things MultiCare Bargaining and how to get involved ▸

Our MultiCare Negotiating Committee: Brandy Beckler - CNA, Brian Dansereau – Pharmacy Tech, Catherine Cox-Shaffer – Radiology Tech, Charlie Brown - Housekeeper, Cheyenne Hannaman – Medical Lab Scientist, Danene Flower – Cardiology Tech, Diamond Tildon – Respiratory Therapist, Gregg Barney – Press Operator, Heidi Strub - Respiratory Therapist, Julianna Van Enk - Pharmacist, Karen Towne – Medical Assistant, Kelly Gusman – Surgery Tech, Nichole Booker - Receptionist, Patricia Brown - LPN, Rafael Diaz – Cardiovascular Tech, Ryan Boyd – MRI Tech, Sheila Whiteway – Housekeeper

PRMCE RN We have reached a tentative agreement! We FULLY recommend a YES vote!

We've achieved a significant milestone! On February 9, 2024, a tentative agreement was reached with PRMCE after ten months of negotiations and persistent advocacy. This marks a historic moment in our journey towards enhancing staffing levels and prioritizing patient safety.

When negotiations commenced, our primary objective was to address the pressing issues of staffing shortages and patient safety concerns. Over the past few years, the deterioration of our staffing situation went unheeded by PRMCE despite us raising the alarm. Throughout the bargaining process, we ensured that our voices were heard. We talked with our patients and community to highlight the critical nature of our staffing crisis, culminating in the decisive action of a strike.

Following our “NO” vote in December, we returned to the negotiating table with a clear focus on addressing the areas of improvement identified through our survey. Through collective effort, we secured significant victories, including:

• $500 Monthly Staffing Bonus for Understaffing

• Longevity Bonus for Senior RNs

• Night Shift Longevity Bonus

• March 31, 2026 contract reopener

• Extra shift incentive for vacant shifts

• Ratification Bonus for all RNs

• Increases to premiums

• 12 months needed to progress to next wage step

• Year for year for past nursing experience

• Chronic staffing issues can be resolved through binding mediation

• Charge Nurses shall NOT take a patient assignment

• Christmas Eve or December 26 holiday pay for night shift RNs

• 1.5x pay when not scheduled off on a day of significance

• Break relief position will be posted 21 days post ratification

• Discuss implementation plan for break relief nurses in a closed unit

• Weekend pay for Sunday night shift

• EIB may be used on the first day of absence or illness

• Boarder premium pay

• 24 hours of admin pay for Hospital Staffing Committee chairs

• Competitive wage scale 

Let's review the highlights together: Monday, February 12, 2pm-3pm & 7:30pm-8:30pm >>

We’ve had some of the deepest conversations with each other and have come out stronger. On Monday, February 12 we will be holding a Zoom meeting from 2pm-3pm and 7:30pm to 8:30pm to review the highlights of our tentative agreement! We will follow up later this week with vote details.

The ENTIRE RN bargaining team recommends a YES vote!
Julie Bynum, Kristen Crowder, Trevor Gjendem, Kelli Johnson, Carrie Rimel, Stephanie Sausman, Juan Stout

MultiCare Northwest Community Labs Update

MultiCare has announced that Laboratories Northwest will move outside of its current facilities and transition to a new business entity called Northwest Community Labs.

There are many questions regarding who will be impacted, where the new facility is located, what jobs are available, and what will happen to those who do not want to work for the new business entity.

UFCW 3000 and our representatives will be holding virtual drop-in meetings to help answer those questions on Thursday, February 15, 2024.

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Thursday, February 15

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
>> Link to Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 884 3240 2216
Passcode: 463463

7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
>> Link to Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 840 6069 6405
Passcode: 501945

Northwest Center Early Supports vote docs. ready to review

vote docs. ready to review 

“We are amazed by our colleagues every day and are excited for the future. We look forward to answering your questions and continuing to advocate together for ourselves and the families we serve.”—Our Bargaining Team: Jenica Barrett, Kimberly Burns, Kaylee Ainge, and Kirsten Syberg 

Next Wednesday February 14 we will hold an in-person meeting during work hours to review and vote on our first Union contract. 
We organized our Early Supports Union to address pay inequity, the rising costs of living in our region, and the goal of retaining staff and not having the high turnover that we were experiencing. This is historic-we are the first Early Supports Agency to unionize in Washington and one of the first private agencies to organize in the country! Our bargaining team is unanimously recommending a YES vote. 

Vote documents are now available online for your review >>

Please take time to review the Highlights, Full version, and Wage Scale. Copies of all vote materials will be available at the vote. 
If you have questions or would like to have someone walk you through how your wage placement and future wage increases will work, please reach out to a member of the bargaining team or Union Representative Ian Jacobson, 206-436-6550. 

Contract Vote: Wednesday, February 14 from 11:00am – 3:00pm
In-Person at Northwest Center South Park Office: 7272 W Marginal Wy S, Seattle, WA 98108

Team meetings will be adjusted so that we can participate in the vote. If you are sick or unable to attend due to remote work, please email Kvaldez@ufcw3000.org, to receive a zoom link to ask questions. Voting will only be conducted in-person. 

MHS Auburn Medical Center Professional - Bargaining Continues!

MHS Auburn Medical Center Professional
BARGAINING CONTINUES!

BARGAINING TEAM: Pharmacist Brent Kirshenbaum, Social Worker Marci Pindi (standing in), and Mental Health Technician Ramona Strassburg

"While there's been some progress in negotiations, there's deep concern over Management's proposals to strip away existing benefits. Furthermore, it's troubling that Management is insisting bargaining committee members use their PTO for negotiations, a departure from the norm observed at other MultiCare bargaining tables." – Ramona Strassburg, Mental Health Technician.

Our Bargaining Team continues to negotiate with MultiCare Management and is pushing to hold on to existing benefits while securing union standards and improved working conditions. At this point:

• MultiCare is holding on their proposal to take away of pay in lieu of benefits Employees who opt out of healthcare and PTO.

• Management is not agreeable to our proposal to cover employment required vaccinations and testing for confirmed work exposures to TB and COVID - 19.

• MultiCare is not agreeable to any proposal outlining a fair process for FTE reduction.

• MultiCare Management has proposed to reduce PTO accrual rates for all salaried Employees.

• MultiCare’s last proposal on February 7 included NO MOVEMENT on their prior proposal showing that they are not unwilling to compromise on many important issues.

Our Bargaining Team is working hard on behalf of coworkers and will continue to focus on the above issues as well as proposed economics. Other bargaining dates that have been confirmed include February 14; we will be requesting additional future bargaining dates from the Employer.

Being informed and standing together as a union demonstrates our collective strength. Our unified efforts and voices have the power to shape the future of MultiCare Auburn Medical Center.

Contract Action Team Meeting
Drop by, discuss negotiations further, and give your input!

Thursday, March 21 @ 11am—1pm
Cascade Training Room

Questions? Contact Union Rep Ian Jacobson at 360-409-0587.

Northwest Center Early Supports Union Meeting ahead of Feb. 14 contract vote

This week we are working with NWC Leadership diligently to finalize the editing and review of the Early Supports Union contract. We expect to have the final vote documents available by no later than Friday morning and will email those out to everyone to review prior to the Contract Vote on Wednesday, Feb. 14. 

We encourage you to join us tomorrow February 7 at 8:30am for a joint Q&A with our union Bargaining Team and Northwest Center Leadership, to answer questions you have prior to reviewing the tentative agreement. 

We hope to see you at the Q&A tomorrow and at the in-person vote next week! 

Joint Q&A with Union Team and NWC Leadership: Wednesday, February 7 at 8:30 am via Teams 

Contract Vote: Wednesday, February 14 from 11:00am – 3:00pm
In-Person at Northwest Center South Park Office: 7272 W Marginal Wy S, Seattle, WA 98108

Team meetings will be adjusted so that we can participate in the vote. If you are sick or unable to attend due to remote work, please email Kvaldez@ufcw3000.org, to receive a zoom link to ask questions. Voting will only be conducted in-person. 

If you have questions, please reach out to Union Representative Ian Jacobson, 206-436-6550. 
Follow Early Supports Union on Facebook and Instagram: @earlysupportsunion

MultiCare Health System Bargaining Dates Confirmed!

After over a month of pushing MultiCare for dates, our Union Negotiating Committee has confirmed this Thursday, February 8 as our first bargaining date with the employer. We have also confirmed the following dates for negotiations:

2/8 2/12 2/15 3/1 3/6 3/15 3/21 4/11

Due to the employer’s delay, we are unlikely to reach an agreement before our contract expires at the end of this month. However, we will work with MultiCare to sign a contract extension to ensure that all provisions of our contract remain in place after scheduled expiration.

UFCW 3000 members in the new Auburn Medical Center (AMC) Professional unit already started negotiations a few months ago for their very first contract. Their negotiations have foreshadowed what we can expect with MultiCare, with management telling the AMC Professional Negotiating Committee that they plan to propose similar takeaways when they get to the table with our committee.

Specifically, MultiCare has already signaled their intentions to propose the removal of pay in lieu of benefits, a reduction in Union Representatives’ access to our workplace, and the potential elimination of consecutive weekend pay.

Our Union Negotiating Committee is preparing for what could be a difficult fight with MultiCare, and the best way you can help is to join regular Contract Action Team (CAT) meetings. CAT meetings bring together workplace leaders for in-depth discussions about negotiations and strategic planning to secure a fair contract.

RSVP to the next Contract Action Team meeting on March 5! RSVP to a meeting here >>

Harbors Home Health and Hospice From Heroes to Zeroes?!

Our Bargaining Team (L—R): Michal Bishop, LPN; Sarah Schimelpfenig, RN; Shelbie Graff, RN

“This is about loyalty to me. We’ve been here through really challenging & difficult times - and this is their response?” —Shelbie Graff, RN

We met to bargain with Harbors Home Health & Hospice back-to-back on February 1 and February 2nd to continue our fight for higher wages, better working conditions, and equity for both new & existing employees.

Throughout every year of the pandemic, Health Care workers across the country were called heroes; recognition for our dedication & persistence to provide the life-saving care we always have. Harbors, however, seem to have something else in mind- proposing a ZERO percent increase to our wage scale.

While we fight for equity & fairness at the bargaining table - we’re asking our coworkers to fight alongside us:

Sign the petition demanding that Harbors meet the challenges of the new year, and pay us fairly!

Join us for a bargaining update meeting to get information on ongoing negotiations, and strategize around how to achieve the pay we deserve!

Contract Action Team Meeting Tuesday, February 13 @ 4PM—6PM at Hoquiam Timberland Library, 420 7th St, Hoquiam, WA 98550

Providence Meal Waiver Update

On February 2, we met with PRMCE management to bargain over the language in the meal waiver. During the meeting, one key concern we addressed was the current challenge of short staffing, leading to delays or missed meal periods for many employees. In response to this issue, we urged Providence to formulate a plan that ensures all receive their breaks promptly.

To address these concerns effectively, we proposed several modifications to the meal waiver language. Our proposal included incorporating educational elements on meal periods, providing the option to waive a second meal period for eligible individuals, waive the timing of meal breaks, and introducing the choice between a 12.5-hour shift (with two meal periods) or a 13-hour shift (with two meal periods) for 12-hour shift staff.

Despite presenting our proposal, Providence has not yet responded to our proposal.

If you have already signed the meal waiver or feel pressured to do so, please be aware that you have the option to withdraw your waiver. Additionally, we encourage you to reach out to our union representatives, Anthony Cantu (RN) and Jack Crow (Pro and Tech), for guidance and support. Alternatively, you can contact the Washington Department of Labor and Industries.

For your convenience, we have prepared guidelines to meal periods, which you can download below:

“We have a right to meal periods and PRMCE should be working to establish a plan. Staff should be able to take their breaks on time and have safe working conditions.” — Cali Drake, RN 8N

Time for ACTION at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center

The bargaining team met with the employer on January 30 for a very long bargaining session. We began the session with some testimonies from the team to try and help management understand the reason for our complete comprehensive proposals. Providence seemed to have listened and made some movement. The employer did finally withdraw their proposal of the elimination of the medical benefit guarantees protected by our contract but maintained their proposal to eliminate the Dental and Vision Guarantees that are in our current contract. The bargaining team is working on a counter to the employer's package proposal (all or nothing proposal) and will be ready to present it at our next session on February 6, 2024.

Come to the Contract Action Team meeting on February 8, 2024 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Spokane office, 2805 N. Market St., Spokane WA, to get exact information on what is happening at the bargaining table and be part of planning what happens next.

The bargaining team launched a button up action on January 30. If you don’t have your button, please reach out to our bargaining team and make sure you wear the button daily. Let’s show Providence our readiness to take action if we fail to reach an agreement and that we are united for a fair contract.

We started a pledge to strike petition on January 10 and are over majority. If you haven’t already, please submit your strike pledge today.

>>> Sign the Strike Pledge

Contact our bargaining team or your representative Juanita Quezada at (509) 340-7407 if you have any questions.

Our Bargaining Team: Joseph Sikkila, Respiratory Therapist; Craig Kistler, MHC; Derek Roybal, CV Tech; Lee Lidman, IR Tech; Janelle Mathias, Pharmacy Technician; Miriam Critelli, Pharmacy Technician; Shane Sullivan, Peds Echo; Teresa Bowden, Respiratory Therapist; Holly Granly, Surgical Technologist; Angela Holmes, Surgical Technologist;

Labcorp - Management’s Proposal Results in Pay Cuts

Our LabCorp negotiating team met with management on January 12 and 22. We were able to come to a tentative agreement on some of our non-economic contract improvements, but we continue to oppose LabCorp’s economic proposals. The latest session confirmed that their current wage and health insurance proposals would result in pay cuts for many members. This is unacceptable.

For context, we want to share some thoughts about the email update that LabCorp regional management sent to us in December.

• $19.97 is the new 2024 Seattle minimum wage, so LabCorp is proposing a 0% base rate increase for Lab Assistants (and Mail Clerks, Material Handlers, Patient Intake Reps, and Service Reps).

• This table tells us LabCorp believes 0.05¢ above minimum wage is a competitive rate for Patient Service Techs and PST Specialists.

• “Ghost Steps” are highlighted but not explained; Med Techs would receive the rate increase after Step 21 only once and stay at that rate until they reached Step 25.

• LabCorp chose not to include that they are only offering a 2% yearly COLA increase and that they have rejected market increases to differentials and premiums.

• The update does not account for LabCorp’s health insurance proposal, which would increase monthly costs and raise the annual out of pocket maximum, resulting in pay cuts for most employees who hit that maximum.

In the last three years, the cost of living in Seattle has increased by 21%. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, it took nine years for costs to grow that much. While LabCorp insists that it’s not the employer’s responsibility to offset unprecedented inflation and cost of living increases, our members and our patients shoulder the consequences of crucial lab positions remaining unfilled and draw sites being closed daily.

To remain competitive, LabCorp must raise wages. This isn’t just about fair pay—it’s about solving our staffing shortages and ensuring we can deliver the service our community deserves.

We’re not backing down. Join our Union Rep and Bargaining Team at our upcoming drop-in CAT meetings to discuss negotiations, future actions, and how to win the contract we deserve. Issaquah meeting dates to come in the following weeks.

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Drop-in Contract Action Team Meetings

James Tower @ the cafeteria

• 6:30am - 10:00am on Wednesday, February 7

• 5:00pm - 7:30pm on Thursday, February 8

First Hill @ the cafeteria

• 6:00am – 9:00am on Wednesday, February 14

• 5:00pm - 7:30pm on Thursday, February 15

Virtual

• 6:30pm - 7:30pm on Sunday, February 11

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

New Member Orientation

Are you a new employee? Join us online to meet your Union Representative, fill out your membership application, and learn about your contract and your rights at work. If you are still within your 6-month probationary period, you can receive a $50 credit towards your initiation fees. If you’re unsure about your membership status, please contact Christie Harris at (206) 436-6606.

• 7:00am – 8:00am via Zoom on the first Tuesday of every month: Feb 6, Mar 5

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