Members of two unions are set to begin a five-day strike May 12 at locations within Vancouver, Wash.-based PeaceHealth.
Six things to know:
1. The strike affects approximately 900 service and tech and lab caregivers, represented by Service Employees International Union, at Bellingham, Wash.-based PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center. Approximately 100 advanced practice clinicians, represented by the Union of American Physicians and Dentists, are also striking in solidarity at PeaceHealth Medical Group clinics, St. Joseph Medical Center, and Sedro-Woolley, Wash.-based United General Medical Center.
2. Union members authorized a strike in April, according to the Cascadia Daily News and The Bellingham Herald. The unions have been negotiating with PeaceHealth on new labor contracts for months.
3. In a statement shared with Becker’s, a spokesperson said PeaceHealth “remains committed to good faith bargaining to reach agreements that are competitive and fair. We had been eager to get to resume bargaining with both SEIU 1199NW and UAPD to focus on reaching an agreement. Considering their decision to initiate a work stoppage, our full attention will turn to ensuring smooth and continuing operations in caring for our community and prioritizing excellent patient care. We will be glad to reengage and continue bargaining at the conclusion of the work stoppage.”
4. Courtney Sly, a trauma registrar who has worked at PeaceHealth for 18 years, said in an SEIU news release shared with Becker’s: “The last thing we want to do is go on strike, we’d rather be caring for patients. But we need a fair contract that prioritizes patient care by providing fair wages to our skilled and dedicated work force. PeaceHealth is paying huge salaries to executives, while staff responsible for providing essential care and services are struggling to afford housing and other basic needs.”
5. UAPD wrote on Facebook that members are going on strike “to fight for their patients, colleagues, and their rights.”
