PRMCE RN Back at the bargaining table

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

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

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

• $250 incentive per shift that a RN flips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 6

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

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

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

September 11

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

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

• Zoom Meeting from 5:30 – 6:30

September 13

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

• Zoom Meeting from  5:30 – 6:30

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

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

Important Dates:

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

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

• Zoom Meeting from  5:30 – 6:30 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83887544549?pwd=dDlhb0JObDlXSm03NzZWWFFHMVNJZz09

September 11: Strike Educational Meetings

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

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

• Zoom Meeting from 5:30 – 6:30 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81867677640?pwd=SzFUTXBxb3NrYnZsWEw3QjVXUXV0Zz09

September 6: Strike Educational Meetings

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

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

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

September 4: Labor Day Block Party

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

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

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

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

PRMCE RN Weekly Update

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

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

>> Sign-Up to be a Strike Captain!

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

>> Strike Captain Meeting RSVP

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

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

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

>> Sign Our Strike Pledge!

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

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

In addition, we are proposing:

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

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

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

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

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

6. Competitive wage increases that reflect our dedication.

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

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

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

• October 30, 2023 - Contract Expires!

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

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

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

• August 28 - Bargaining with PRMCE Management

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

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

>> Sign Our Strike Pledge!

Also encourage your coworkers to update their information.

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

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

Providence St. Peter Palliative Care RNs Bargaining Begins!

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

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

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

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

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

PRMCE RN Weekly Update

On August 16, we hosted a town hall and engaged with community members regarding the dire staffing crisis and the uncompromising stance of our employer in contract negotiations. We exposed the shocking reality of pervasive staff shortages at the Hospital. Providence's audacity knows no limits as they overtly refuse to surpass the benchmarks established by the recently enacted WA State safe staffing law, a crucial law that won’t achieve full effect until 2027.Those who attended from the community now comprehend the stark truth we confront - a formidable struggle to ensure patient safety.

August 17 saw us distributing leaflets to the community during the Aquasox game on Union Solidarity Night. We conversed with community members and fellow unions, experiencing an overwhelming surge of support. Many committed to contacting the Providence General Foundation to endorse our staffing demands.

Throughout the previous and ongoing week, PRMCE management has inundated us with a deluge of emails, videos, and even a flashy newspaper ad in the Everett Herald. Their propaganda machine works incessantly, disseminating falsehoods that we, the nurses and our union, are to blame for the stalled negotiations. This is a distortion of reality.

Let's be absolutely clear: an impasse is far from our situation.Despite our inability to reach an agreement through the prolonged expedited negotiation process, we believe both sides possess further proposals to present. At no point did our union or PRMCE assert that we were delivering a "last, best, and final offer." PRMCE manipulatively wields the term "impasse" as a tool of fear. According to the National Labor Relations Act, if a union and employer reach a valid "impasse" during contract negotiations, the employer can enforce their last proposal. This is PRMCE's cunning strategy to shirk bargaining and impose their terms.

Furthermore, Providence only seems fixated on one talking point: wages.Yet, what about the lives we safeguard daily? What about patient safety? Their callous calculations dismiss our primary objective - rectifying the staffing nightmare. Our contract's aim is to create a resolution for our staffing predicament. Wage increases alone are insufficient. Our proposals, rejected by PRMCE, empower nurses to collaboratively address enduring staffing challenges alongside PRMCE management. They involve binding third-party mediation to resolve long-standing staffing-related issues that management has failed to address, ensuring consistent consultations between the Chief Nursing Officer and nurses to efficiently allocate resources for staffing and patient safety initiatives, and establishing accountability mechanisms should PRMCE fail to adhere to the agreed-upon staffing plans.

Circle August 28 on your calendars as we head into another round of negotiations with PRMCE.However, don't for a moment think that we're commencing with a blank slate. We've already hammered out several tentative agreements. If Providence dares to reject this already agreed upon language, they knowingly prolong our struggle to tackle the staffing crisis.

Providence stands at a crossroads.Will they join forces with nurses to uplift patient safety? Or will they suppress our voices, perpetuating the staffing crisis and jeopardizing patients?

Our determination remains unwavering.We will persist in organizing actions and preparing for a strike - a demonstration of our commitment to realizing our proposals. On August 22 at 8 pm via Zoom, we will conduct strike captain training. Join us if you're willing to lead within your unit/department. Let's demonstrate to PRMCE the unyielding strength of our unity.

Please join us at one of the actions below:  

September 21: Community Townhall
@ Everett Labor Temple 2810 Lombard Ave Everett 5-6pm

September: Strike educational meetings for nurses at PRMCE and over Zoom  

August 28: Bargaining with PRMCE

August 27: Everett Farmers Market 10:30 to 12pm  (meet at the corner of Pacific and Wetmore) 

August 22, September 5, and September 19: Strike Captain Training 8pm-9pm CLICK HERE TO JOIN

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

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

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

PRMCE RN Weekly Bargaining Update

On August 6 we handed out over 200 leaflets to the community at the Everett Farmers' Market! Community members we spoke to at the Farmers' Market were extremely supportive of our fight for better staffing at Providence Everett. Many people shared stories with us about long waits in the emergency room and Providence’s predatory medical billing practices. From our conversations, the community wants PRMCE to increase nurse staffing and to decrease medical costs.

When we first began bargaining, we proposed that PRMCE make charity care more accessible for our patients and PRMCE rejected our proposal. Although in expedited negotiations we cannot revisit this topic since it is off the table, we can propose this concept if we move to “incremental” negotiations.

Incremental bargaining means that we would reset negotiations and would be able to make new proposals or repropose language from our expedited negotiations. While this may delay reaching a tentative agreement by October 2023, this might be our only option going forward given PRMCE’s unwillingness to agree to our economic and staffing proposals.

We have a tentative negotiation date of August 28. We are currently waiting for the PRMCE management to confirm the date.
Regardless of expedited or incremental negotiations we will continue holding actions and preparing to strike to show PRMCE we are serious about our proposals. On August 22 at 8pm via Zoom we will be holding a strike captain training, please join us if you are willing to be a leader in your unit/department.

Please join us at one of the actions below:  

• September 21 Community Townhall @ Everett Labor Temple 2810 Lombard Ave Everett 5-6pm

• Late August to September- Strike educational meetings for nurses

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

• August 22 Strike Captain Training 8pm-9pm Zoom Meeting 

• August 17 AquaSox Union Solidarity Night 6pm to 7pm (free tickets will be available to the game after the action, please RSVP with Anthony Cantu 206-436-6566)

• August 16 Community Townhall @ Everett Labor Temple 2810 Lombard Ave Everett 5-6pm

Show PRMCE that we are serious about our proposals and are willing to strike!If you have not already signed the strike pledge, please click on the link PRMCE RN - I Promise to Take Action! (jotform.com)
Also encourage your coworkers to update their information: https://ufcw3000.org/update-your-information

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

Wage Comparison between PRMCE Management’s proposal vs. Overlake and Swedish Edmonds

As you can see below PRMCE’s proposal keeps RNs wage rates behind Overlake through August 2024 and Swedish Edmonds through February 2025. Overlake and Swedish Edmonds will renegotiate their wages in 2024 and 2025 meaning the PRMCE RNs will be even more behind these two hospitals in 2024, 2025, and 2026

UFCW 3000 Member Story: Jim O'Brien

Jim O’Brien

Union contracts often have provisions for overtime above what the law requires and additional premium pay for being assigned extra responsibilities and job duties. Unfortunately, employers don’t always pay what was agreed to in the Union contract, so it’s up to rank-and-file union workers and stewards to enforce the contract and hold the employer accountable.

Jim O’Brien works at the Pacific Campus for Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett. Recently Jim and other nurses have been assigned up to 5 nursing students to train (in nursing it is known as “clincal precepting” and nurse trainers are known as “preceptors”) while still carrying full patient loads. Jim and his fellow nurses had concerns about caring for patients while training 5 nursing students at the same time, and while reviewing the RN contract for Providence Everett he discovered that there was a premium clinical precepting that the Employer was not paying.

Jim and his union rep contacted his manager to request the premium for all the nurses in Jim’s unit. Management quickly agreed to pay the premium going forward and is conducting an audit with the Union to make all the nurses whole for the missed pay.

Way to go Jim! When everyone makes sure to enforce our union contract, we all benefit.

PRMCE—Listen to Your Nurses and Community!

Since May 2023, we have been bargaining with Providence Everett management. Our objective has been safe staffing levels for our community and patients. Providence has rejected our staffing language and our ideas to retain and recruit nurses. It is time for our community and elected officials to hear about the staffing crisis at Providence Everett!

Nurses want the best for patients. Providence Everett wants the best for their pocketbooks.

It is time we take a stand.

Join us and bring your family and friends to one of the actions below and sign your strike pledge card! By signing a strike pledge card, we are saying that we are willing to strike in the future.

Wednesday, July 12

Snohomish City Council Meeting @ 10:30am

• 3000 Rockefeller Ave. 

• 8th Floor, Jackson Board Room

• Robert J. Drewel Building

• Everett, WA 98201

Everett City Council Meeting @ 6:30pm

• William E Moore Historic City Hall (Police, North Precinct)

• 3002 Wetmore Ave.

• Everett, WA 98201

Thursday, July 13

Banner and Leaflet at Everett Marina Summer Concert @ 4:45PM to 6:00PM

• On W. Marine View Drive (near Lombardi’s) underneath the Grand Avenue Park Bridge

Sunday, July 16

Banner and Leaflet Action @ 5:30PM to 7:00PM

• Broadway and Pacific Ave

• Everett, WA 98201

Providence St. Peter Hospital PTAs / COTAs Bargaining Update

“Unfortunately Providence rejected our proposal to place employees on a wage scale per their years of experience in their job classification. Having our years of experience recognized is a top priority!”—Cynthia Miner and Heidi Ranger

Our Union Bargaining Team met with Management on Thursday, June 29 to discuss the terms of our accretion into the technical unit represented by UFCW 3000. Thus far we have not been able to come to an agreement with Management about the structure of our wage scale and retaining greater continuing education benefits than the minimum required in the technical unit’s union contract.

As such, we are scheduled to meet with them again August 15. While we wish this were possible sooner, we also could not accept the offer on the table just for the sake of expediting the process.

PRMCE RN Bargaining Update

Providence asked for expedited bargaining, yet repeatedly failed to bring any counter proposal to our wage and staffing proposal.

Providence thought their best proposal for wages and staffing language was what Michelle Lundstrom sent in her May 22, 2023 email. Nurses should feel disrespected by this lack of action from Providence.

Given Providence’s lack of movement around staffing and wages, we will be launching a strike pledge card. Get ready to show solidarity with your coworkers and sign your strike pledge cards at the hospital and online.

Be on the lookout for information on your next Contract Action Team meeting! Keep wearing your blue and yellow, it’s time to put our words to ACTION!

If you have questions reach out to our Union Bargaining Team or Rep. Anthony Cantu at 206-436-6566

PRMCE RNs Back at the negotiations table!

“Nurses treat patients with dignity and respect. We expect the same from Providence. We are not going to take disrespect from the Employer bargaining team” —Kelli Johnson

We are back at the negotiations table with Providence and are continuing to fight for the contract that we all deserve. Today at the table we addressed non-economics, including skills departments, access to your union representative, membership language and language to ensure Nurses can receive coverage for participating in negotiations.

Providence came to the table being aggressive and disrespectful, but we stood our ground and movement is being made, including some Tentative Agreements on:

• Discipline and Discharge: discipline after 18 months cannot be used for progressive discipline, and discipline in your file to be removed after 18 months by request.

• Skills Departments: changes to skills departments that ensure safer staffing.

If you have questions reach out to our Union Bargaining Team or Rep. Anthony Cantu at 206-436-6566

PRMCE RNs - We have NOT reached a tentative agreement

Our last bargaining session with PRMCE was on May 11. Since that session we have not received a response from PRMCE for new bargaining dates. We are committed to continuing negotiations as soon as possible! Every day our staffing assignments get harder due to nurses resigning and hundreds of vacancies. Since the start of bargaining we have told the Hospital that we need to resolve this staffing crisis through competitive wages and better staffing language. The contract that our Union Bargaining Team proposed attempts to address retention and recruitment of nurses. We recognize the staffing issues we face at PRMCE need to be addressed with a comprehensive multi-action approach.

Below are a few of the proposals the RN team made in our last session. Some of these proposals the Hospital agreed to or proposed a lesser version of:

1. Hazard pay of $12 for emergent circumstances (like declared state of emergency)

2. Staffing: if a unit is staffed less than 90% of the unit’s staffing plan, the nurses on that unit will receive $5/hour premium

3. Break relief nurses for every unit

4. Internal equity: if a new employee is hired into a pay level greater than the  employee’s experience the entire pay range will be adjusted to reflect the placement of the new hire. Example: if the new hire should be on Step 4, but is placed on Step 8, Step 8 will become the new Step 4 and all nurses will have their wages increased to reflect the adjustment.

5. $3.00 Evening shift differential and $6.50 Night shift differential

6. For night shift nurses: after working on night shift for 24 months nurses would receive an additional $5.00 on top of the night shift differential. This is proposal is to recognize the longevity of night shift nurses.

7. $7 Standby pay

8. Increased premium for preceptors to $2.00 to train the nurses we desperately need.

9. Double time for standby on holidays

10. Added Veteran’s Day, Juneteenth, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day to holiday list. PRMCE proposed cutting Presidents Day to allow Juneteenth.

11. Expanded holiday pay for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for night shift nurses. Consistent with other contracts in the area we proposed expanded hours for holiday pay on Christmas eve and Christmas day from 7pm on 12/23 to 7AM on 12/26.

12. $800 Standby Bonus for nurses who work more than 500 standby hours each calendar year, $1100 standby bonus for nurses who work more than 800 standby hours in a half year, $1250 for nurses who work more than 1100 standby hours in a half year.

13. Proposed improvements to health insurance by reducing out of pocket cost.

14. Allowing union rep into employee lounges and to remain member of staffing committee

15. 40 hours (pro-rated by FTE) for education hours and increased education money

16. Additional PTO to honor longevity of nurses over 15 years

17. Wages

• Step increments between steps would be an average of 2.5%. Currently the step increments vary between step

• Increase base to Swedish’s base rate of $42.22 on June 1, 2023. The new wage table would range from $42.22 (Base)  80.55 (Step 35)

• November 1, 2023 8.25% increase

• 2024 5% increase

• 2025 6.5% increase

To clarify, we do NOT have a tentative agreement. These proposals have not been fully agreed to by the Hospital! As you can see, there are some areas that we have some agreement on, but differ drastically on wages, staffing, and other contract language. We need Providence to come back to the bargaining table immediately! Nurses deserve better NOW!

Providence Regional Medical Center - RNs -Fighting for ratio language to protect our patients

Providence Regional Medical Center - RNs
Fighting for ratio language to protect our patients

On day 3 of bargaining, we discussed at length the importance of staffing ratio language to be included in the contract and what that would mean for Nurses and patients.

“Providence said ratio language was a non-starter. For Nurses, not having ratio language is a non-starter and your Bargaining Team will continue to fight for appropriate and safe staffing levels.”

—Carrie Rimel, RN, Bargaining Team

We have yet to hear back from Providence on the bulk of our economic proposals, but we will continue to negotiate in good faith with Providence. We will meet with Providence again May 9, 10, and 11 and will continue our discussions as a Bargaining Team surrounding their proposals to get nurses the best contract.

Providence Regional Medical Center Everett - Bargaining Economics

Providence Regional Medical Center - RNs
Bargaining Economics

On day two of bargaining, we proposed all of the economics, including retirement, health insurance, differentials, longevity, wage increases, and bonuses. Our goal is to attract and retain Nurses and ensure patients have the highest level of safety and care at this hospital.

We are awaiting Providence’s response to our economics, as well as our staffing ratio proposal and other non-economics and look forward to continuing to bargain in good faith during these expedited bargaining sessions.

“We have put everything out on the table, we are waiting for Providence to respond. Thanks to all that are wearing their yellow and blue. Seeing photos of you all standing in solidarity wearing yellow and blue shows Providence that we are UNITED.”

– Stephanie Sausman, RN, Bargaining Team

PRMCE RN Pro Tech We need a better incentive shift program!

Providence Everett RN, Pro & Tech

We need a better incentive shift program!

In March, we told Providence Everett that we wanted to modify the incentive shift letter of understanding (LOU) for the Pros, Techs, and RNs.

We believe that Providence Everett should count “safe sick” time towards our FTEs to qualify for the incentive shift program. This would be following state law and would make eligible more Pros, Tech, and RNs for these incentive shifts. Providence Everett has rejected our proposal and released the LOUs to all units even though we have not agreed to them!

At this time, we have not signed any LOU and will be working with all three bargaining units to create a better incentive program which increases staffing and benefits patients.

If your unit is offering an incentive shift, please let your union Rep know. Anthony Cantu (RNs) 206-436-6566 and Jack Crow (Pros and Techs) at 206-436-6614.

UFCW 3000 Calls for Resignation of St. Michael Medical Center Leaders in Petition of No Confidence

UFCW 3000 is publicly circulating a Petition of No Confidence in the leadership at St. Michael Medical Center, after years of inadequate response to issues at the hospital, including the recent experience of UFCW 3000 members in the Emergency Department who had to request assistance from the local fire department as conditions were unsafe due to short staffing.

Hospital staff, emergency services workers, physicians, local leaders, and the entire community of patients and residents in the Kitsap area served by the hospital are invited to sign on to this petition calling for accountability from Virginia Mason Franciscan Health.

We, the undersigned, hereby submit the following letter to Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Chief Executive Officer Ketul Patel:

Our community has been advocating for a safe hospital for years as workers repeatedly sound the alarm on the serious issues plaguing St. Michael Medical Center. Unfortunately, after years of ineffective response, and after workers have had to repeatedly report their concerns to hospital leadership through committee meetings, contract negotiations, and very publicly through picketing, media, and outreach to legislative officials, the health care workers’ pleas have been met with empty promises as the situation continues to deteriorate.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! We demand change, we demand action, we demand that you take the concerns of your workers and the community seriously and make significant changes at St. Michael Medical Center.

We have lost confidence in the leadership team at St. Michael Medical Center and request that you start with the resignation of both President Chad Melton and Chief Nursing Officer Jeanell Rasmussen.

Providence Credena Monroe Tentative Agreement Reached!

Providence Credena Monroe

Tentative Agreement Reached!

“Bargaining our first contract has been very rewarding! Our new contract will provide more equal pay and better benefits. Our solidarity is our strength!” - Our union bargaining team: Sarah Woolman and Laurine Plantilla

Our Bargaining Team is excited to have reached a tentative agreement with Providence Credena! Join us on November 10 to VOTE! Our bargaining team recommends a Yes VOTE on YOUR new three year contract. We will discuss all the wins, explain your new wages and answer any questions you may have, as well as welcome you to your new UNION!

We are proud of a contract that includes:

• A NEW wage scale that is equitable for advancement and cost of living increases!

• Across the board wage increases every 6 months over the course of the contract

• Weekend differentials

• Temporary Lead Pay

• More vacation days!

• Secure all benefits so they can not be changed unless they are bargained with the Union first

Join us to vote: Thursday, November 10, 11:45AM to 12:45PM at Credena Monroe

Members in good standing are encouraged to vote.

If you have any questions, please contact your Union Rep: Anthony Cantu 206-436-6566

St. Joseph Hospital - We Have Reached a Tentative Agreement

Your bargaining team met with the employer for an expedited bargaining session where we focused on wages. After one quick session we were able to reach a tentative agreement that will compensate RNs fairly for the work they do. The wage increases will make us market competitive within our region.

Your bargaining team is recommending a YES vote on the tentative agreement!

Bargaining Team Left to Right: Amy Radclif - Union Representative, Eilish Smit - RN Acute Care, Maegan George - RN Emergency Department, Lenaya Wilhelm - Union Representative - Union Representative

Join Our Vote Meeting!

Full agreement for review will be available at the vote meeting. UFCW 3000 members in good standing are encouraged to attend a meeting, ask questions, and vote on the contract. Contract a bargaining team member or your Union Representative for any questions.

Thursday, June 2

6:30 am - 8:00am

St. Joseph Hospital classroom

Providence RadiantCare - Contract Overwhelmingly Approved!

On March 22, workers at Providence RadiantCare overwhelmingly approved their first contract! Workers will be receiving anywhere between a 2% to 20% wage increase on their April 15 paychecks. This contract is also the first to achieve placement onto a wage scale dependent on years of service versus a minimum percentage increase, which resulted in higher wage increases compared to other newly organized units. 

On top of guaranteed wage increases, the bargaining team was able to win workplace protections like the grievance process, lay-off procedure, and successorship language in case of a sale. 

Providence RadiantCare workers are joining about 50,000 UFCW Local 3000 members in Washington State and parts of Oregon and Idaho. We encourage you to learn about your union rights, union trainings, upcoming activities/events, and union benefits by going onto our website, www.ufcw3000.org.

If you have any contract questions or workplace issues, please reach out to your union representative, Erin McCoy emccoy@ufcw21.org or 206-436-6598 (landline). 

Congratulations Providence RadiantCare UFCW members! Welcome to Local 3000! 

Providence Radiantcare Contract Vote

Providence Radiantcare Contract Vote March 22 Our bargaining team is recommending a YES Vote

We have reached a tentative agreement with Providence Radiantcare! Our next step is to ratify the tentative agreement. We will be reviewing and explaining the contract on the day of the vote. We will be holding the contract vote on Tuesday, March 22 from 5pm to 8pm at the Olympia Community Center (Room 101/102). You cannot submit an absentee vote or electronic vote and cannot vote outside of the time slot listed.

Vote Meeting

Tuesday, March 22 from 5pm to 8pm

Olympia Community Center

222 Columbia St NW 2nd Floor,

Olympia, WA 98501 (Room 101/102)

Please reach out to our bargaining team or Union Rep Erin McCoy is you have any questions.

Providence Everett RN Pro Tech update Reduced ESBs means more staffing problems!

Providence Everett RN, Pro & Tech

Reduced ESBs will result in more staffing problems!

In January, Providence Everett Management proposed to reduce the February extra shift bonus (ESB) stating that the current bonus amounts are extremely costly which has resulted in going over budget. They also mentioned they want to align their ESB amounts to better match the lesser bonus amounts of other Providence hospitals.

We told Providence that we did not agree with their proposal and proposed we wait until mid-February to evaluate March bonus amounts for each unit. We believe reduced ESBs will result in less staff volunteering for extra shifts, which will increase caregivers’ workload and will lead to more burnout/resignations. If there is less staff, then there will be less caregivers to provide care. We are deeply concerned about the well-being of caregivers and the quality of care the community will receive if there is less staff.

We also asked Management on January 28 to provide information regarding vacancies, labor expenses on agency/travel staff, recruitment and retention plans, and monthly labor expenses since 2019. This information is needed to better understand their claims. We still have not received a response to our information request.

We are disappointed that Management has chosen to implement the reduced rates and will be asking them to reconsider their position for the sake of patient care and the well-being of UFCW 21 members.

If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to your union representative, Anthony Cantu.