Multi-employer Bargaining a first for our union
More than 6,000 SEIU Healthcare 1199NW members around Puget Sound will begin bargaining this week. Together we are setting out a new future for healthcare, with new standards for patient care and services, and respect for the work we do.
Overall, 15,000 SEIU Healthcare 1199NW nurses, techs, professionals ans service workers from Tacoma to Spokane will be bargaining this spring.
"This year's bargaining is an excellent opportunity for frontline RNs, CNAs, and Unit Secretaries to gain a voice in staffing. We own the work we do as patient care providers, and our input is valuable."
Staffing will be one of our major priorities –If we provide training to members who want it, and make sure there is appropriate staffing so that caregivers don’t burn out, we can begin alleviating the shortages that put patient care at risk. Two legislative victories - winning $1.5 million from the state for training and passing a law that puts us on the road to safe staffing provide the perfect launch pad for real bargaining breakthroughs.
Our bargaining priorities this year include Healthcare, Quality Patient Care and Services, Recruitment and Retention, Retirement Security, and Respect for our Organization.
Tell us - what does Quality Patient Care and Services mean to you?Visit our 2008 Bargaining page