MultiCare Auburn Medical Center Professionals - Bargaining Update

On Wednesday, April 10, your bargaining team met with MultiCare to continue negotiations on our first union contract. After nine suspenseful weeks of awaiting management’s response to our wage proposal—we finally have it in hand!

However, the suspense isn’t over yet. We did extensive market research and proposed wages, premiums, and differentials that we believe match the rates of some of the highest paid union professionals in the region, because we know MultiCare has aspirations to be the premier healthcare provider in the region!

But these aspirations don't seem to extend to the compensation we earn for the care we provide.

Even after just a quick review of their proposal, we were frustrated to see that the wage rates offered at the top end of their proposal are what some of our current coworkers are already being paid!

Furthermore, our proposal contained language which would honor existing employees' years of experience in our positions and compensate us accordingly. This recognition was unfortunately nowhere to be found in MultiCare's counter.

"We waited nine weeks to receive a proposal on wages, only to be disappointed by MultiCare's counter, which appears to only offer small increases to many of us!"
—Brent Kirshenbaum, Pharmacist, Bargaining Team Member

Join our upcoming Contract Action Team meetings to get details about our ongoing bargain, the proposal we got from management, and some events for MultiCare workers to make this an action-packed spring!

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CONTRACT ACTION TEAM MEETINGS:

Thursday, April 18
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Cascade Training Room

Thursday, May 16
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Cascade Training Room

Mark your calendar and join UFCW members from Auburn Medical Center, Tacoma General, Allenmore, and many more for a spring kick-off with Union Family Day for MultiCare Workers.

Saturday, May 4
11 AM - 2 PM
IBEW Local 76 Hall
3049 S 36th St
Tacoma, WA 98409

MultiCare Auburn Medical Center Professionals - Show me the money!

MultiCare Auburn Medical Center Professionals
Show me the money!

BARGAINING TEAM: Brent Kirshenbaum, Pharmacy; Ramona Strassburg, Psychiatry Adult; Marci Pindi, Social Work

Our Bargaining Team met with MultiCare on March 7 to continue negotiations on our first Union contract.

While we did get responses back from MultiCare on some outstanding articles regarding our working conditions - like scheduling and FTE concerns, required health exams, and where members of our union can address staffing concerns, we received a similar response to MultiCare on our insurance benefits to what appears to be MultiCare’s current approach to insurance benefits - in short - rejecting the proposal almost in its entirety.

Furthermore, we are still awaiting a formal response to many of our other economic proposals: i.e; our wages!

We’re eager to see what MultiCare comes to the table with at our next bargaining session, which is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20.

“So many of my coworkers came to me with frustrations on our benefits… and MultiCare came back and just dismissed all of them.” —Brent Kirshenbaum, Pharmacy, Bargaining Team member

MultiCare Auburn Medical Center - Next chapter of bargaining

MultiCare Auburn Medical Center
Next Chapter of Bargaining

Our Bargaining Team: Pharmacist Brent Kirshenbaum, Social Worker Marci Pindi (standing in), and Mental Health Technician Ramona Strassburg

"We are excited to enter the next chapter of bargaining, as we have proposed all contact articles to MultiCare Management.” —Brent Kirshenbaum, Pharmacy

Our Bargaining Team has proposed all articles of contract language to the Employer, with the most recent including:

• Improved healthcare benefits

• Maintaining salaried positions for Social Workers

We ended our last bargaining session in February early in the day, as we continue to wait for MultiCare’s response to our wage proposal.

Our Bargaining Team is working diligently on your behalf and will continue to focus on securing the best contact possible including economics. Other bargaining dates that have been confirmed include March 7, 20, April 4 and 20; we will be requesting additional future bargaining dates from the Employer if necessary.

Throughout this negotiation process, we are committed to keeping you informed and engaged. We will schedule regular bargaining update meetings.

Join our next meeting to fight for a strong contract!

Thursday, March 21 @ 11am—1pm
Cascade Training Room

Engagement and involvement in this process are vital. Stay informed and stand together as a union demonstrates our collective strength. Our unified efforts and voices have the power to shape the future of MultiCare Auburn Medical Center.

Questions? Contact Union Rep Ian Jacobson @ 360-409-0587.

MHS Auburn Medical Center Professional - Bargaining Continues!

MHS Auburn Medical Center Professional
BARGAINING CONTINUES!

BARGAINING TEAM: Pharmacist Brent Kirshenbaum, Social Worker Marci Pindi (standing in), and Mental Health Technician Ramona Strassburg

"While there's been some progress in negotiations, there's deep concern over Management's proposals to strip away existing benefits. Furthermore, it's troubling that Management is insisting bargaining committee members use their PTO for negotiations, a departure from the norm observed at other MultiCare bargaining tables." – Ramona Strassburg, Mental Health Technician.

Our Bargaining Team continues to negotiate with MultiCare Management and is pushing to hold on to existing benefits while securing union standards and improved working conditions. At this point:

• MultiCare is holding on their proposal to take away of pay in lieu of benefits Employees who opt out of healthcare and PTO.

• Management is not agreeable to our proposal to cover employment required vaccinations and testing for confirmed work exposures to TB and COVID - 19.

• MultiCare is not agreeable to any proposal outlining a fair process for FTE reduction.

• MultiCare Management has proposed to reduce PTO accrual rates for all salaried Employees.

• MultiCare’s last proposal on February 7 included NO MOVEMENT on their prior proposal showing that they are not unwilling to compromise on many important issues.

Our Bargaining Team is working hard on behalf of coworkers and will continue to focus on the above issues as well as proposed economics. Other bargaining dates that have been confirmed include February 14; we will be requesting additional future bargaining dates from the Employer.

Being informed and standing together as a union demonstrates our collective strength. Our unified efforts and voices have the power to shape the future of MultiCare Auburn Medical Center.

Contract Action Team Meeting
Drop by, discuss negotiations further, and give your input!

Thursday, March 21 @ 11am—1pm
Cascade Training Room

Questions? Contact Union Rep Ian Jacobson at 360-409-0587.

MultiCare Health System Bargaining Dates Confirmed!

After over a month of pushing MultiCare for dates, our Union Negotiating Committee has confirmed this Thursday, February 8 as our first bargaining date with the employer. We have also confirmed the following dates for negotiations:

2/8 2/12 2/15 3/1 3/6 3/15 3/21 4/11

Due to the employer’s delay, we are unlikely to reach an agreement before our contract expires at the end of this month. However, we will work with MultiCare to sign a contract extension to ensure that all provisions of our contract remain in place after scheduled expiration.

UFCW 3000 members in the new Auburn Medical Center (AMC) Professional unit already started negotiations a few months ago for their very first contract. Their negotiations have foreshadowed what we can expect with MultiCare, with management telling the AMC Professional Negotiating Committee that they plan to propose similar takeaways when they get to the table with our committee.

Specifically, MultiCare has already signaled their intentions to propose the removal of pay in lieu of benefits, a reduction in Union Representatives’ access to our workplace, and the potential elimination of consecutive weekend pay.

Our Union Negotiating Committee is preparing for what could be a difficult fight with MultiCare, and the best way you can help is to join regular Contract Action Team (CAT) meetings. CAT meetings bring together workplace leaders for in-depth discussions about negotiations and strategic planning to secure a fair contract.

RSVP to the next Contract Action Team meeting on March 5! RSVP to a meeting here >>

MHS Auburn Medical Center (Professional) - Return to the Bargaining Table!

MHS Auburn Medical Center (Professional)
Return to the Bargaining Table!

BARGAINING TEAM: Pharmacist Brent Kirshenbaum, Social Worker Marci Pindi (standing in), and Mental Health Technician Ramona Strassburg

Our Bargaining Team has met with MultiCare Management since the new year started, and talks have mostly been productive.

• MultiCare Management has been agreeable to copy much of the language from the Tacoma General’s Professional contract.

• However, a fight is brewing on economics with the Employer already proposing to take away pay in lieu of benefits and consecutive weekend pay - both of which are guaranteed in other UFCW contracts.

• MultiCare is also threatening to convert all Employees to hourly. While that works for some, it doesn’t for other positions, so our Bargaining Team is proposing to maintain a salary option in some classifications.

Our Bargaining Team is working hard and will continue to focus on the above issues. Other bargaining dates have been confirmed for January 31, February 7 and 14; we will be requesting additional future bargaining dates from the Employer. We are committed to keeping everyone informed and engaged and will schedule regular bargaining update meetings.

Join your coworkers for the next meeting!
Drop by, stay informed, and give your input.

Engagement and involvement in this process are vital. Staying informed and standing together as a union demonstrates our collective strength. It’s important to remember that our unified efforts and voices have the power to shape the future of MultiCare Auburn Medical Center.

Wednesday, March 21 @ 11am—1pm
Cascade Training Room

QUESTIONS? Contact Union Rep Ian Jacobson @ (360) 409-0587.

MHS Auburn Medical Center (Pro) - Back to Negotiations!

MHS Auburn Medical Center (Pro)
Back to Negotiations!

BARGAINING TEAM: Pharmacist Brent Kirshenbaum, Social Worker Marci Pindi (standing in), and Mental Health Technician Sandra Williams

Our Union Bargaining team has met will MultiCare a few times and exchanged proposals. Through commitment to the process and advocacy for coworkers, we have made some progress.

Contract Language that has been tentatively agreed to include:

• Status Review: A process for part-time Employees to have a review of their FTE if continuously working over their assigned FTE

• Evaluations: Requiring the Employer to maintain a system which provides for Employee evaluations on a probationary and annual basis

• Recall: A process the Employer must follow to reinstate any Employee who has been laid off

• Nondiscrimination: The absence or avoidance of discrimination, officially affirming a federal government policy of nondiscrimination in employment

Proposals we are still working on are:

• Staffing: Working to address critical issues related to staffing levels, workload, and patient care

• Floating: Establishing fair guidelines and restrictions for floating to other facilities

• Preceptor: Clarifying the role and responsibilities of preceptors within our workplace along with a market competitive premium

• Labor Management Committee (LMC): Establishing a committee to give workers a voice after contract negotiations is over.

Our Bargaining Team is working on other issues and will continue to focus on the above topics, as we reserve most economics proposals for later in the process. Other bargaining dates that have been confirmed include January 19, 24, 31, February 7 and 14; we will be requesting additional future bargaining dates from the Employer.

Throughout this negotiation process, we are committed to keeping everyone informed and engaged. We will schedule regular bargaining update meetings and disseminate important communications through multiple channels, including text and email.

engagement and involvement are vital

Staying informed and standing together as a union demonstrates our collective strength. It's important to remember that your unified efforts and voices have the power to shape the future of MultiCare Auburn Medical Center.

QUESTIONS? Contact Union Rep Ian Jacobson @ 206-436-6550.

Multicare Auburn Medical Center Professional - Bargaining Begins!

Bargaining Team: Pharmacist Brent Kirshenbaum, Social Worker Brittany Owen, and Mental Health Technician Ramona Strassburg (stand-in)

“I am excited about being a part of the bargaining process and to advocate for my fellow healthcare professionals.”
—Brittany Owen, Social Worker  

Your Union Bargaining Team has met with MultiCare a few times and exchanged proposals. Through their commitment to the process and advocacy for their coworkers, we have made some progress.

Contract language that has been tentatively agreed to include:

• Status Review: a process for part-time employees to have a review of their FTE if continuously working over their assigned FTE.

• Evaluations: requiring the employer to maintain a system which provides for employee evaluations on a probationary and annual basis.

• Recall: a process the employer must follow to reinstate any employee who has been laid off.

• Nondiscrimination: the absence or avoidance of discrimination, officially affirming a federal government policy of nondiscrimination in employment.

Important proposals we are still working on are:

• Staffing: working to address critical issues related to staffing levels, workload, and patient care.

• Floating: establishing fair guidelines and restrictions for floating to other facilities.

• Preceptor: clarifying the role and responsibilities of preceptors within our workplace along with a market competitive premium.

• Labor Management Committee: establishing a committee to give workers a voice after contract negotiations are over.

Our Bargaining Team is working on other issues and will continue to focus on the above issues as we reserve most economic proposals for later in the process. Other bargaining dates that have been confirmed include November 2 and 9; we will be requesting additional future bargaining dates from Management.

Throughout this negotiation process, we are committed to keeping you informed and engaged. We will schedule regular bargaining update meetings and disseminate important communications through multiple channels, including text and email.

Your engagement and involvement in this process are vital. Staying informed and standing together as a union demonstrates your collective strength. It’s important to remember that your unified efforts and voices have the power to shape the future of MultiCare Auburn Medical Center.

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to discuss the negotiations further, please do not hesitate to reach out to your dedicated Union Representative Ian Jacobson at 206-436-6550.

MHS Auburn Medical Center (Professional) - Negotiations Begin Tomorrow!

MHS Auburn Medical Center (Professional)
Negotiations Begin Tomorrow!

BARGAINING TEAM: Pharmacist Brent Kirshenbaum, Social Worker Brittany Owen, and Mental Health Technician Sandra Williams

Our Union Bargaining team is excited to announce that negotiations with MultiCare begin tomorrow, October 19, for the first Professional contract at Auburn Medical Center! Our team has already met to review the issues and have drafted our initial proposal to present to the Employer.

Key points in the proposal include:

• Union Recognition with Successor Language: Ensuring a strong Union and ensuring our recognition remains intact in the event of an unlikely sale of AMC

• Preceptor: Clarifying the role and responsibilities of preceptors within our workplace along with a market competitive premium

• Staffing: Working to address critical issues related to staffing levels, workload, and patient care

• Floating: Establishing fair guidelines and restrictions for floating to other facilities

• Seniority: Safeguarding the principles of seniority in employment decisions such as layoff, rebids, promotions, scheduling, and much more

• Grievance Procedure: Defining a clear, fair, and effective process for addressing violations of our contract

• Labor Management Committee: Establishing a committee to give workers a voice after contract negotiations are over.

Our Bargaining Team is working on other issues, but our initial proposal will focus on the above issues as we reserve most economics proposals for later in the process. Other bargaining dates that have been confirmed include October 19, 26, 27, November 2 and 9.

Throughout this negotiation process, we are committed to keeping you informed and engaged. We will schedule regular bargaining update meetings and disseminate important communications through multiple channels, including text and email.

Engagement and involvement in this process are vital. Staying informed and standing together as a union demonstrates your collective strength. It's important to remember that your unified efforts and voices have the power to shape the future of MultiCare Auburn Medical Center.

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to discuss the negotiations further, please reach out to Union Rep Ian Jacobson @ 206-436-6550.

MultiCare Auburn Medical Center RNs Contract Ratified

Bargaining Team: Cory Larsen, Caroline Bellinger, Kathleen Vukelich

We’re excited to announce that Nurses at Auburn Medical Center overwhelming voted to ratify their new contract yesterday! As a reminder, our new contract includes:

Unprecedented wage increases, giving Auburn Medical Center one of the highest RN wage scales in Washington State. Includes full retro pay back to August 15, 2021!

Some of the highest premiums in the region with increases to shift differential, standby pay, weekend premium, charge nurse pay, preceptor pay, and float pay.

Maintained annual bonuses for members at the top of the wage scale.

New language that forbids the Employer from forcing nurses to float to other hospitals,

Improved charge nurse language allowing nurses to object to the assignment,

And so much more!

If you have questions about your new contract, please reach out to a workplace steward or contact Union Rep Kent Tse at (206) 436-6512.

Auburn Medical Center RN - Tentative Agreement Reached—Vote Scheduled

Your Bargaining Team has reached a tentative agreement with management on a new three-year collective bargaining agreement for Registered Nurses at Auburn Medical Center. We are very excited to tell you that this agreement includes the following: 

• UNPRECEDENTED WAGE INCREASES that would give Auburn Medical Center one of the highest RN wage scales in King County.

• INCLUDES FULL RETRO PAY BACK TO AUGUST 15, 2021!

• SOME OF THE HIGHEST PREMIUMS IN THE REGION! Increases to shift differential, standby pay, weekend premium, charge nurse pay, preceptor pay, and float pay.

• Maintained annual bonuses for members at the top of the wage scale. 

• New language that forbids the employer from forcing nurses to float to other hospitals,

• Improved charge nurse language allowing nurses to object to the assignment,

• No health care premium increases next year with caps in subsequent years,

• Permanently added the Spot Bonus Incentive plan into our contract,

• And so much more!

The full details of the offer will be made available during our online vote meeting on October 25.

Auburn Medical Center (RN) Online Meeting

Monday, October 25

6:00PM

Contact your Bargaining Team or Union Rep for call-in details. Details will be also emailed out.

It’s extremely important that members attend the zoom meeting to get a full understanding of the employer’s offer and have your questions answered. However, voting will not take place at this meeting.

We will be voting online via “SimplyVoting” on Tuesday, October 26 from 6:00AM to 8:00PM. You will be receiving an email from UFCW 21 via “SimplyVoting” with your unique login information. 

In order to vote, everyone needs to make sure their personal email is up to date in our records. If you did not receive this announcement via email, please visit ufcw21.org/update-your-information and update your information. If you do not receive an email to vote on Tuesday October 26, then please reach out to Union Representative Kent Tse at ktse@ufcw21.org no later than 5PM on the day of the vote to provide an updated email address. 

Auburn Medical Center RNs Bargaining Update

We’ve been negotiating with MultiCare for a few months and, while significant progress has been made, we remain apart on many items. 

The major problem we’re facing is that MultiCare is trying to copy and paste the agreements we’ve recently won at their Pierce County facilities, unwilling to agree to anything different. Auburn Medical Center is a unique facility with different issues, and most importantly, in a different labor market. 

Please sign our petition demanding that Management recognizes that Auburn Medical Center nurses deserve more than a copy and paste agreement! Demanding that Management offer an economic package that will attract and retain nurses in King County not only today, but for the entire duration of our contract. 

Survey Link: bit.ly/MC-Staffing21
  
You’re Invited! Please join us for our next Contract Action Team (CAT) meeting to hear the latest from your bargaining team.

MHS Auburn Medical Center CAT Meeting
Wednesday, October 6 @ 6:30 PM

Contact your Bargaining Team or Union Rep for Zoom details

Bargaining Team: Cory Larsen, Kathleen Vukelich, Caroline Bellinger

Auburn Medical Center RNs Bargaining Update

We met with the Employer again on September 14, and it was one of the more productive days of negotiations thus far. After expressing our frustration with Management’s constant delays, we’re pleased to report that they were ready to accept the Union’s proposal first thing in the morning.

In our proposal, we continued to push the narrative that our new contract should include a wage scale that is not only competitive today but will remain so for the entire three-year duration of the agreement. Nurses are being worked to the point of burnout because of the staffing crisis and our wage proposal would make it easier for the Employer to hire and retain staff, providing much needed relief.

We’ve also held firm on our demand that members receive some form of compensation as a result of the delays caused by Management. Our contract was originally scheduled to expire last month, which is when we should have received our wage increases. Therefore, each day that passes without an agreement is more money the Employer is pocketing that should have been added to our wages.

Your Bargaining Team will meet with Management again on Wednesday, September 22.

Join the Bargaining Team at our next virtual Contract Action Team (CAT) meeting on Monday, October 6 @ 6:30 PM to hear the latest from negotiations, have your questions answered, and learn how you can help us win a fair contract! Contact your Bargaining Team or Union Rep for Zoom details. The direct link to join will also be emailed.