BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Over 1,000 unionized workers at PeaceHealth are going on strike.
The Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD) and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) will hold a five-day, joint picket starting Monday, May 12.
The two unions represent physicians, advanced practice clinicians, service workers, lab assistants and imaging technicians at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham.
Bargaining representatives for both unions say wages, understaffing and limited time with patients are their critical concerns.
“Our clinicians have repeatedly raised concerns about patient safety and working conditions for months, but PeaceHealth continues to make these decisions and implement changes without clinician input,” said Joe Crane, UAPD Washington State Organizing Coordinator. “After multiple failed attempts to resolve these issues through negotiations, the decision to strike was made.”
SEIU 1199NW says contract negotiations have stalled, while UAPD claims PeaceHealth has refused to recognize or bargain with the group.
PeaceHealth spokesperson Amy Drury sent the following statement to My Bellingham Now:
“During the planned strike that involves our Service, Technical and Laboratory caregivers at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center and Advanced Practice Clinicians at PeaceHealth Medical Group clinics, St. Joseph Medical Center, and United General Medical Center, our community can continue to count on the safe, high-quality care it has come to expect. PeaceHealth has secured the services of highly qualified, experienced temporary replacement caregivers from a staffing agency, as well as existing care partners, to ensure patient care remains uninterrupted during the strike. This is a standard practice in the healthcare industry. Nursing, represented by WSNA, is not impacted nor part of this strike.
PeaceHealth respects the rights of our caregivers to participate in these strikes and other lawful activities. However, we are deeply disappointed the unions have chosen to strike. 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.
We value our caregivers, their professionalism and commitment to our patients. A planned action will not change that.”
It comes days after a third union representing nurses at PeaceHealth held an informational picket, though that union is scheduled to resume contract negotiations with management on May 16.
