MEDIA ADVISORY:
November 9, 2022
THURSDAY: Healthcare workers to picket at St. Elizabeth and St. Anne Hospitals
Hundreds of healthcare workers call on Virginia Mason Franciscan Health administration to settle fair contracts and for safe staffing through equitable wages that recruit and retain
More than 400 healthcare workers united in SEIU Healthcare 1199NW at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Enumclaw and St. Anne Hospital in Burien, including nurses, service workers and techs, will hold joint informational pickets Thursday, November 10 to demand fair contracts that recruit, retain, safely staff their hospitals, and allow them to provide quality care to their communities.
The workers at St. Elizabeth Hospital began bargaining with the integrated health system Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, part of CommonSpirit Health, in May 2022, followed by workers at St. Anne Hospital in June. The workers’ core bargaining priorities are safe staffing, recruitment and retention, equitable wages that keep up with market rates, strong benefits, and an environment of respect and belonging.
To RSVP or to request an interview with workers, contact Kenia Escobar, keniae@seiu1199nw.org, 425-919-8896.
WHO: Picketing workers will be joined by community supporters, neighbors, and local elected officials
WHAT: Informational Picket and Rally for a Fair Contract and Safe Staffing
WHEN: Thursday, November 10, 3-5:30pm; rally at 5pm
WHERE: St Elizabeth Hospital in Enumclaw and St. Anne Hospital in Burien
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About SEIU Healthcare 1199NW
SEIU Healthcare 1199NW is a union of nurses and healthcare workers with over 31,000 caregivers throughout hospitals, clinics, mental health, skilled home health and hospice programs in Washington state and Montana. SEIU Healthcare 1199NW’s mission is to advocate for quality care and good jobs for all.