MultiCare Covington Medical Center Bargaining Update - Session 4 - December 18

We left our fourth meeting with the Employer feeling that overall, this was a productive session. In the afternoon, the Employer gave us responses to some of our outstanding items. After being presented with the new proposal, our team gathered our responses to all the proposals that the Employer passed across, as well as our proposal on wages, and sent them everything around 3pm. Everything is now in the Employer's court. There has been positive communication on both sides that resulted in us getting to answer outstanding questions and the Employer being able to ask clarifying questions to the intent of our proposals.

We were able to come to agreements on language surrounding bargaining unit information, new hire orientation, layoff language, and telephone calls from home. While we still have a lot of proposals to work through, there were signs of progress.

We are hoping to get a response to all outstanding proposals at our next scheduled session on December 29.

Washington Beef Bargaining Update

Bargaining Update 

On December 18, your Union Bargaining Committee met with the Company to continue negotiating the significant increase to the medical plan. 

As we shared in the last update, after reviewing the Company’s documents, we continue to believe the actual increase from 2025 to 2026 is much lower than 37.9%. 

During the meeting, we made it clear that the contract only allows a 50/50 split of annual increases and not cumulative increases, and that passing this increase on to workers would have a significant and unfair impact on employees and their families. 

At the end of the meeting, we believed we had reached an agreement to lower employee’s cost, with reduced deductions beginning in February, since it was too late to stop January payroll deductions, and that the January overpayment would be adjusted. Unfortunately, the following day the Company told us there was no agreement and that they are still demanding something in return to lower employee costs. We do not believe this is fair or reasonable. 

We know many of you have already signed the petition and have questions about next steps, including filing a grievance and how that process works. We will be holding a membership meeting in January to answer questions and explain next steps. We are currently working to secure a meeting space and will share more details as soon as possible. 

Stay United. Sign the petition. We deserve affordable health care. 

PHOTO: [Bargaining team/Comité de negociación: Araceli Brito Saavedra, Alondra Ceballos, Edgar Rodriguez] 

Actualización de Negociaciones 

El 18 de diciembre, su comité de negociación se reunió con la Compañía para seguir negociando el aumento al plan médico y buscar soluciones. 

Como dijimos en la última actualización, después de revisar los documentos de la Compañía, seguimos creyendo que el aumento real de 2025 a 2026 es mucho menos que el 37.9%. 

Durante la reunión, dejamos claro que el contrato solo permite una división 50/50 de los aumentos anuales, no aumentos acumulados, y que pasar este aumento a los trabajadores tendría un impacto grande e injusto para los trabajadores y sus familias. 

Al final de la reunión, pensábamos que teníamos un acuerdo y que el costo para los empleados se reduciría a partir de febrero, ya que era muy tarde para detener las deducciones de enero, y que se corregiría el sobrepago. Lamentablemente, al día siguiente la Compañía nos dijo que no hubo un acuerdo y que sigue pidiendo exigiendo algo a cambio para bajar los costos a los empleados. No creemos que eso sea justo ni razonable. 

Sabemos que muchos ya firmaron la petición y tienen preguntas sobre los próximos pasos, incluyendo presentar una queja (agravio) y cómo funciona ese proceso. Tendremos una reunión para todos los miembros en enero para responder preguntas y explicar qué sigue. Actualmente estamos trabajando para asegurar un espacio para la reunión y compartiremos más detalles lo antes posible. 

Manténganse unidos. Firmen la petición. ¡Merecemos un seguro médico accesible!  

Cascade Valley Hospital Bargaining Update!

On Friday, we met the employer for the third time. Your bargaining committee stated from the beginning that we intend to ensure that all Skagit Regional Health - Cascade Valley Hospital employees have equitable wage scales. It is the same administration; same jobs, must be the same pay rate as well.

We have introduced several proposals to improve the contract and ensure fair working conditions. We will meet with the employer again on 1/15/2026, when the employer will provide us with responses to our last set of proposals.

As we gather with loved ones and reflect on the year gone by, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your dedication, resilience, and unity. This season reminds us that the true strength of our union lies not just in our collective voice, but in the care and respect we show one another.

May this holiday season bring you peace, joy, and well‑deserved rest. Let’s carry the spirit of solidarity into the new year, standing together for fairness, dignity, and a better future for all.

Wishing you and your families a safe, happy, and hopeful holiday season!

Wishing you a year filled with fresh opportunities, personal growth, and collective success. Together, we will make this year our best yet!

Please reach out with any questions or concerns to a Bargaining Team member or Union Rep, Bruce Le at 1-866-210-3000, ext. 6614.

Bargaining team members: Tia Hafner, Calley O'Harra, Carl Ramirez, and Rana Rennels. Bruce Le - Union Representative and Cesar R. Quiles-Borrero - Union Negotiator

Gene's Home Owned Meat and Grocery Contract Vote Scheduled!

Gene’s Home Owned Meat & Gene’s Home Owned Grocery Contract Vote Scheduled!

• Above area standard wages

• Improved Vacation Language

• Affordable health care

• Increased retirement contributions

Wednesday, January 7 from 10am—11:30am and 7pm—8:30pm, at the Omak Best Western Peppertree Inn, 820 Koala Dr, Omak WA 98841

Providence Regional Medical Center RN - Meet Your Bargaining Team

Thank you for recommending us to represent the nurses at Providence Regional Medical Center. We look forward to getting started early and approving language that benefits nurses and our patients.

"I am on the Bargaining Team again because I feel strongly about continuing the fight for a contract that we can be proud of."

— Stephanie Sausman

"I believe in the power of our voices to create change for the benefit of our families, our community, and our patients."

— Kimball Conlon

"I'm looking forward to representing all of our Providence nurses and also being an active advocate for our surgical services RNs."

— Carrie Rimel

"I am grateful to have been nominated by my fellow peers to help represent all nurses in obtaining a fair and equitable contract with our Employer. One that supports safe staffing for our patient's well-being and for them to get the care they need to be safe, not having to be provided by the rapid response team because they are declining while hospitalized."

— Tulena Lammers

"Looking forward to representing per diem RNs and fighting for safe staffing."

— Amanda Chinnick

"Nurses are the Union, UNITE!"

— Scott Ryan

"I believe in the power of our voices to make a difference for everybody. I'm committed to this process and believe we have a strong team."

— Terry Peirce

Not pictured: Juan Stout and Kristen Crowder

Reach out to our Bargaining Team or Union Rep Anthony Cantu at (206) 436-6566, if you have any questions, concerns, or you simply would like to discuss what's happening.

Kennewick Red Apple Grocery & Meat Contract Ratified!