EvergreenHealth - CONTRACT RATIFIED!

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The Union contract for EvergreenHealth has been ratified by both Union Members and the Board of Commissioners.

Highlights of the agreement include:

  • 6.75% Wage Increase, 2024
  • 5.75% Wage Increase, 2025
  • 3%-10% additional Market Adjustments for many positions
  • New Position: Advanced Procedures Mammography Tech
  • $625-$1250 Ratification Bonus, effective the payroll period beginning February 4, 2024
  • Shift Differential: Evening $2.75 per hour, Night $4.50 per hour
  • Standby Pay: $4.25 per hour, $6.00 per hour for all hours after 50 hours of standby per pay period
  • Paid Education Leave: New language allows for up to $600 to be carried over.

For additional information, contact our Union Representative Jack Crow at (206) 436-6614.

EvergreenHealth - Tentative Agreement Reached—Contract Vote Scheduled!

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After several months of bargaining, we have reached a tentative agreement. The Bargaining Team fully recommends this agreement!

Monday, January 15, 2023

  • 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
  • 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

EvergreenHealth
12040 NE 128 St.
Kirkland WA 98034
Red Auditorium

Highlights of the agreement include:

  • Wage Increases
  • Market Increases
  • Bonuses
  • Standby Pay Increase
  • Expanded eligibility for Shift Differential
  • Rest Between Shifts premium now includes the entire next shift
  • Education Dollars Rollover
  • Incentive Pay MOU establishing guidelines on how incentives are offered

UFCW 3000 members in good standing are encouraged to attend a meeting, ask questions, and vote on the contract. Contact a Bargaining Team member or your Union Representative for any questions.

>> Join the Union!

>> Update your information!

EvergreenHealth - Bargaining Continues

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Bargaining has continued to be challenging but we have been making progress with the help of a federal mediator for the past two months. Management has started to understand that our coworkers are leaving and going to higher paying jobs. We have focused on economics that will make retention of current employees and recruitment of new employees a priority. Work/life balance has been another focus for us as we have proposed language on staffing, low census, rest between shifts and on-call. Patient safety has been at the forefront of all of our proposals.

Communication between managers and techs is essential for Evergreen to be a good place to work.

We worked late into the night Friday, December 8, and made some progress on economics. Our next mediation session is Friday, December 15.

For more information, talk to a bargaining team member or to Union Representative Jack Crow at 206-436-6614.

UFCW 3000 Member Story: Amber Wise

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Amber Wise ready to go to work to break down a side of pork!

Amber Wise is truly one of the busiest UFCW 3000 members we have featured here in our Member Stories. Amber is an apprentice meatcutter at PCC Redmond, a mother of two children with her husband Daniel, is serving on the UFCW 3000 Racial Justice Advisory Board and on our Climate Justice Advisory Board, and to top it all off, she is running for public office this November!

Amber moved to Western Washington 10 years ago and began working as a preschool teacher at Harborview Hospital while going to school to get a degree in Childhood Development. It was at Harborview that she learned about the importance of health care workers to the community and the stresses and challenges they face every day. She left work at Harborview in 2020 shortly before the birth of her second child, and delivered the baby at Evergreen Hospital. Amber made connections with the health care workers there during an extended stay, reinforcing what she had learned at Harborview.

It was at about that time that her husband started a small business and Amber knew she needed a job with flexible work hours that could provide health care benefits for her family. She got a job working as a deli clerk at the Redmond PCC which had what she needed. As Amber worked there she met two women in the meat department who recruited and mentored her to apply for a position as an apprentice meatcutter. She started attending classes with the Puget Sound Apprentice Meatcutting Program at the Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center (pictured above) to learn the tools and skills of her new trade. She has almost completed the 2-year program and will be graduating in January of 2024!

As she worked at PCC, she got more involved with her union. Amber’s union rep asked her if she would be interested in running for public office, specifically as a Commissioner for Public Hospital District 2, which covers Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland. Because of the commitment to advocacy and community that she had learned both from working at Harborview Hospital and the care she received from Evergreen Hospital staff, Amber said yes!

Amber then attended the Washington State Labor Council’s Path to Power conference where rank-and-file union workers learn how to run for and win public office. She filed to be a candidate for Public Hospital District 2, and now ballots for the November 7 election have begun arriving around the area! She is hoping to win and become a strong advocate for the patients and workers at Evergreen Hospital and to bring mental health resources to the area.

Want to know which other pro-worker candidates are on the ballot this year? Find our union’s endorsements for the November 7 election here. If you want to hear more about how inspiring Amber is, check out the 9th episode of the UFCW 3000 Podcast, where podcast host and union shop steward Michaela interviews Amber about her journey!

EvergreenHealth Kirkland - Bargaining Continues

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Although we have been making progress bargaining for wages that are equitable to surrounding hospitals, Management has announced they won’t move forward without the help of a mediator, so we are requesting mediation from PERC (Public Employment Relations Commission). We agree that mediation could expedite the process.

The ongoing fight is over wages.

Management initiated and implemented a wage increase earlier this year (6% for most jobs) and says they are unable to fund any additional across-the-board wage increases in 2023.

We recognize the financial challenges of the hospital and want to work with them, but something needs to be done to retain workers NOW! They recognize there is a problem as they are severely short-staffed and struggling to hire. They get it, but seem reluctant to make significant movement.

We are committed to getting a good contract, whatever it takes, and will let you know when we have additional bargaining dates.

For more information, talk to a Bargaining Team member or Union Representative Jack Crow.

Update your contact information!

EvergreenHealth Kirkland - Management’s math doesn't add up

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During our bargaining session on Wednesday, August 23, we engaged in discussions with Management regarding strategies to enhance our competitive stance in terms of wages compared to other local hospitals.

In particular, we suggested the concept of eliminating the initial two steps of our wage scale, subsequently adjusting the positions of most members along the scale. This idea aimed to establish a more attractive entry wage and to ensure substantial wage progression for existing members. Regrettably, Management displayed limited interest and ultimately declined to entertain our proposition.

Our objective remains the retention of current staff and the effective recruitment of new members to address the significant staffing issues at EvergreenHealth Kirkland. Management has consistently reiterated that the challenges in recruitment are prevalent across the industry, not exclusive to Evergreen.

However, we shared our extensive research on wages with Management and told them that our review of wages showed that Evergreen was paying below the market standard. We highlighted that our analysis revealed Evergreen's compensation rates to be below the median for numerous job roles, particularly when contrasted with wages offered by Seattle hospitals.

Management countered that they had already given a wage increase in 2023 and that no additional funding is budgeted for our wage increase this year. They frequently cite the 6% wage hike that was instituted in January for most job classifications.

It's worth noting that numerous emails sent to employees during January referred to this increment as a "market increase," implying that Management had conducted research on wage trends at neighboring hospitals and concluded that a 6% increase was sufficient. We believe this adjustment falls short of addressing the issue, as evidenced by the continued departure of Evergreen staff for better-paying alternatives.

Management has asked for mediation, and our team is currently reviewing this option. While our next bargaining dates are not yet set, we'll inform you as soon as we decide on the mediator and our schedule. Meanwhile, reach out to your Union Steward to get "Our Retention Needs Attention" stickers to wear at work, demonstrating our united support for a fair contract.

Stay in the loop and update your information!
ufcw3000.org/update-your-information

For additional information contact Union Rep Jack Crow @ 206-436-6614.

EvergreenHealth Kirkland - Bargaining Continues

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We continued to bargain on Monday, August 7, and Management is clear that they do not want to increase wages in 2023. They say Evergreen already pays competitive wages and they don’t want to have the highest wages in the area, but would rather be “in the middle”. They don’t seem to understand this competitive job market and how it impacts our staffing when they refuse to pay competitive wages.

We have reached tentative agreements in many other areas including: overtime language for 7/70 shifts, rollover of Continuing Education Funds, travel time when floating to a different work location, and reinforcing the Labor Management Committee language.

There is still much work to do. We need to stand together to fight for a fair contract!

Please join us at the Board of Commissioners Meeting!

Tuesday, August 15 @

EvergreenHealth

12040 NE 128th

Kirkland WA 98034

Meet at 6:15 PM by the Café on the second floor of TAN

Bring friends and family! We will have an opportunity to speak directly to Hospital Commissioners during the public comment period and share why we need a fair contract and fair wages.

For additional information about this meeting or how you can get more involved, contact Union Representative Jack Crow @ (206) 436-6614.

EvergreenHealth Kirkland - Bargaining Continues—Not Where We Need to Be Yet

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We bargained with Management on July 25 and 26. Management has increased their wage offer but we’re not where we need to be yet. They feel they have already given us a wage increase in 2023 so they don’t need to give us anymore.

The overall tone of bargaining seems different than in prior years. Management seems antagonistic. Although we have discussed the reasoning for our proposals, management’s response has been NO on several things. Unfortunately, Management doesn’t seem interested in engaging fully with us on our issues and seems more focused on our differences.

Bargaining continues next week and we invite you to drop in afterwards and talk with the bargaining team:

  • Monday, August 7

  • 5:00PM—6:00PM

  • EvergreenHealth Kirkland

  • 12040 NE 128th Street

  • Kirkland WA 98034

  • Room TAN 134

For additional information, contact Union Representative Jack Crow at 206-436-6614

Evergreen Health Kirkland Evergreen workers honored by board of commissioners

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Many of us packed the board of commissioners meeting on July 18 and shared stories of the struggles we face every day. We spoke of the difficulty of recruiting staff at below market wages, the skyrocketing cost of living, and the frustration we all feel with Management’s refusal to propose adequate cost of living increases at the bargaining table.

The board seemed receptive to our concerns and shared their own desire for a fair contract that puts real money in our paychecks.

As a result of our statements and show of solidarity, the board made a last-minute decision to honor the sacrifices we and other care providers have made by awarding the frontline staff of Evergreen the annual “EvergreenHealth Community Service Award”.

July 19 we bargained with Evergreen and let Management know why it is important to pay competitive wages. We talked about being constantly short staffed and working with many highly paid travelers who don’t have the same skills and commitment to Evergreen that we have. Management maintains that they don’t want to pay top wages but feel they are being competitive. We bargain again July 25 and 26.

“The minimal response from Management on our wage proposals has left workers feeling more undervalued than ever” —Jennifer Bradshaw, Mammography Tech

“Me and my coworkers are constantly struggling to keep up as we perform more work with less staff, why would a new tech decide to work here when they can be paid more and work less elsewhere?” —Justy Hedrick, CT Tech

EvergreenHealth - Evergreen Workers Show Their Strength!

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Workers at EvergreenHeath took part in our first worksite action on Tuesday, July 20 by wearing union colors and holding a mass attendance at the board of commissioners meeting. We filled the room and showed management and board members that Evergreen workers are engaged and serious about winning a fair contract.

The sea of yellow forced management to sit up and take notice, and several voluntarily offered commentary on the importance of our work in the clinical and financial success of the hospital.

Make no mistake though, this action is not enough to move the needle at the bargaining table. We plan to attend the next board meeting on July 18 in even greater numbers and speak directly to management and the board about why we need a strong contract with fair wages, better benefits, and real solutions the staffing crisis we face every day.

Are you interested in raising your voice in support of a fair contract? Contact your rep Jack Crow at 206-436-6614 or jcrow@ufcw3000.org

Come to the next contract action meeting!

  • July 11 • 5:30 PM

  • TAN 138

Can’t make it? Join our Zoom meeting instead!

  • July 10 • 10:30 AM

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

EvergreenHealth Kirkland - Bargaining Continues

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Join our bargaining Team as we plan out next moves:

Wednesday, June 14
5:30pm
EvergreenHealth Kirkland - Tan 100
To RSVP, go to: bit.ly/432v1ct

EvergreenHealth Kirkland
Bargaining Continues

Our Union Bargaining Team met with Management on June 9 to discuss the challenges of work we do. They listened to what we had to say, asked some questions, and had a few responses. However, they don’t seem to get it.

Management needs to understand why WAGES and STAFFING improves RETAINMENT and RECRUITMENT!

We have proposed many changes to our contract, including improvements to compensation.

What keeps Management from saying “YES”?

  • Maintaining low overhead?

  • More $ for Management?

  • More $ for equipment or building improvements?

We understand they have a budget. Do they understanding the cost of living and working in Kirkland?

If we have to be on-call and live within a half hour of the hospital, where can we live and how much will it cost? The cost of living has gone up significantly in the past three years.

Does Evergreen understand this?

READY TO GET MORE INVOLVED? Join your union today and go to: join.ufcw.org/join/3000

QUESTIONS? Talk to a member of the Bargaining Team or call Union Representative Jack Crow @ 206-436-6614

EvergreenHealth Kirkland - RSVP - Stand up for fair wages

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YOU’RE INVITED!

Join our Bargaining Team to plan and prepare upcoming actions that will pressure Management into offering a serious wage proposal.

Wednesday, June 14 @ 5:30pm
EvergreenHealth Kirkland - Room Tan 100

To RSVP, scan or go to: bit.ly/432v1ct

We have told Management that they need to address wage disparities and staffing! After nearly two months of bargaining Management said,

“NO WAGE INCREASE THIS YEAR!”

It is time to show Management that Evergreen workers won’t stand for this disrespect and are ready to fight for a FAIR CONTRACT.

READY TO GET MORE INVOLVED? Join your union today and go to: join.ufcw.org/join/3000

QUESTIONS? Talk to a member of the Bargaining Team or call Union Rep Jack Crow @ 206-436-6614

EvergreenHealth Kirkland - Disrespect from Management!

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Our Bargaining Team: Justy Hedrick, CT Scanning; Anna Hennager, Resp Therapy; Chris Dizon, Echocardiology; Desiree Huttinger, Cardiology; Kimberly Mitchell, Surgery/ Labor and Delivery; Jennifer Bradshaw, Mammography; Kevin Daly, Lab; David Dimalanta, Radiology; James Kerr, Surgery/OR

Monday, May 8, our Union Bargaining Team met with Management. The Team has given many proposals to Management, both proposals with an economic impact and those which improve or clarify existing contract language, making the contract better for workers AND Management.

During Monday’s bargaining session, Team members let Management know that their coworkers were disappointed that Management had still not responded to any Union proposals. 

Management replied with a firm, disrespectful statement saying that they were not going to counter any proposals given so far and wanted to see everything economic as well as non-economic before giving anything back. The Union Team stayed strong through this, challenging management’s statement and their attitude! 

For additional information, contact a Bargaining Team Member or Union Representative Jack Crow 206-436-6614.

EvergreenHealth Kirkland - UFCW 3000 Bargaining Team Meets With Evergreen Management! 

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It’s time for change. We feel unappreciated, underpaid and understaffed. 

Our Union Bargaining Team met Friday, March 31 and made initial non-economic proposals. Management did not respond to any proposals made, but committed to review. 

We are scheduled to bargain again on April 12. The Bargaining Team is now focused on fine-tuning economic proposals in anticipation of our next session. 

Meet Our Union Bargaining Team:

Front Row: Kim Mitchell, Labor and Delivery Surg Tech; Justy Hedrick, CT Tech; Desiree Huttinger, Cardiology Tech; Back Row: Jack Crow, UFCW 3000 Rep.; Jennifer Bradshaw, Mammo Tech; David Dimalanta, Rad Tech; Chris Dizon, Echo Tech; James Kerr, OR Surg Tech. Not Pictured: Anna Hennager, Respiratory Care; Kevin Daly, Lab Med Tech

“If you have any issues, come to me and I will do my best to bring your thoughts to the Bargaining Team. I’m always willing to facilitate ideas.”

— DAVID DIMALANTA, Surg Tech, 8 years

“I wanted to be on the Bargaining Team because I want to help my team. We started to fall apart when we went through Covid. We need to focus more on retention. The hospital could do a better job and that is what I am hoping for.”

— JUSTY HEDRICK, CT Tech, 5 years

“Now is such an important time. There are so many things that we need, and I wanted to be on the Bargaining Team to make sure our department is represented. I didn’t want to let my coworkers down.”

— DESIREE HUTTINGER, Cardiology Tech, 12 years

“I was on the Bargaining Team last contract, and it was a lot of fun. I never realized how much goes into it. It helped me to have a better understanding of the contract itself.”

— ANNA HANNAGER, Respiratory Care Practitioner, 7 years

“I come from Wyoming and Idaho, and I cannot stress enough how much better the benefits are in Washington than over there. That has a lot to do with the Union and the market that we are in. Having a say in how you’re treated at work through the Union helps tremendously. If you come from a right to work state, like Wyoming or Idaho, it’s hard to get any kind of concession from Management on anything. That’s why I am here. I have experienced the other side of the coin. The Union makes a difference.”

—  KEVIN DALY, Lab Med Tech, 12 years 

“I want to be involved in making changes and improving things at Evergreen. I don’t want to just be a grumbling voice. I want to feel like when I go home at the end of the day that I was able to give good patient care. I don’t always feel that. It is something that has been an issue the last couple of years.”  

— JENNIFER BRADSHAW, Mammography Tech, 17 years 

“I feel proud to say I am a healthcare worker. But I have seen and experienced first-hand how important it is to have representation and make sure everyone is treated fairly. That’s why I wanted to be a part of the Bargaining Team.”

—  KIM MITCHELL, Labor and Delivery Surg Tech, 2 years

“I’ve been in this field for 14 years now, and I’ve been around enough hospitals to know what works and what doesn’t. I joined the Bargaining Team because I was hoping to influence some of those positive changes for the hospital.”

—  CHRIS DIZON, Echo Tech, 2 years

“There hasn’t been a surg tech on the Bargaining Team for the last two contracts and it’s time we had someone. A lot of folks don’t understand what goes into our job, and they don’t understand the responsibilities that go into our position.”

—   JAMES KERR, OR Surg Tech, 8 years