Providence Mt. Carmel RN - Our Bargaining Team Met Strong Resistance from Providence the First Two Days of Bargaining
/We just completed our first two days of negotiations with Providence. Our bargaining team came ready to bargain and gave a complete comprehensive proposal to Providence that included:
Market wage increases that are competitive with Spokane Holy Family and will help us retain and recruit nurses to serve our rural community
Paid education days like other Providence Hospitals
Supplemental scheduling
Premiums for nurses who are unable to move to newly awarded positions because Providence hasn't resolved their staffing crisis
Sleep area for call staff required to stay on premises
And more!
These sessions were not just hard; they were frustrating and at times deeply uncomfortable. Providence's attorney created an environment that made members of our team feel dismissed and disrespected. It quickly became clear that Providence doesn't see rural hospitals as deserving of the same standards or respect as our peers in urban hospitals.
"We walked away from the table deflated and discouraged. We don't feel like their attorney came prepared to bargain in good faith. We are hoping when we get back to the table it will be different. Now is the time to RALLY together, we must be prepared just in case it's not."
— Our bargaining team
We asked Providence for additional dates through the next few months; however, management claims they are only available to meet in person again on July 29, 30, and 31. Our bargaining team finds it difficult to believe that Providence is not available until the end of July, and this delay feels like a tactic to frustrate progress at the table.
Please watch for additional information on how you can get involved in fighting for a fair contract we all deserve.
United we stand, divided we beg.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our bargaining team or the Union Representative Lenaya Wilhelm at 509-340-7369.
Bargaining Team: Georgia Davenport, RN; Rebecca Landers, RN; Laura Swanson, RN