BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Details have been released surrounding the new contract for hundreds of unionized healthcare workers in Bellingham.
SEIU Healthcare 1199NW says its workers voted to ratify a new contract with PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center on Aug. 15.
It followed 10 months of stalled negotiations and a five-day strike in May.
The union says its new deal includes across-the-board increases in pay each year, with total raises ranging from 14% to nearly 34% over four years.
“This contract is proof of what we can accomplish when we stand strong together for a common cause,” said Ramon Castellanos, respiratory therapist and member of the union bargaining team. “Our persistence and unity brought real improvements that benefit both workers and the people of Whatcom County. We weren’t given this contract by PeaceHealth executives, we fought hard and sacrificed our time, efforts, and in many cases our time off, to make this possible.”
It also delivers improvements in benefits, workplace protections and stronger union rights.
The union is made up of more than 900 service workers, lab assistants and imaging technicians at PeaceHealth.
Union representatives are thanking the community for showing support throughout negotiations through petitions, yard signs, donations to assist workers and calls to PeaceHealth.
