More than 2500 RNs, LPNs, Service and Social Workers are proud members of SEIU Healthcare 1199NW.
Group Health and SEIU Healthcare 1199NW have agreed to
form a new relationship based on resolving differences and
working towards health care reform, including affordable
health care for everyone. This agreement was signed with
unanimous approval from our Group Health Executive
Board members. As part of this agreement, the 2008
contract negotiations will be conducted in a manner that will
result in a productive and successful experience for Group
Health and our members. We will engage in Interest Based
Bargaining, a process where each organization presents
its interests and collaborates on developing workable
solutions. The current collective bargaining agreements
will be extended through October 15, 2008 with the
understanding that negotiated first year wage increases will
be retroactive to July 1, 2008.
More details to come as we conduct our proposal vote
meetings in May.
“Now that the subcontracting threat is officially
off the table, we can all work with Group
Health management on cutting cost and
making improvements within the department."
Darryl Holman, EVS, Central Campus
Our joint bargaining teams have continued to share interests as we walk through two important issues—retirement and subcontracting.
Group Health made an initial presentation on SEIU members’ retirement benefits, including retiree health care. During this discussion we identified a number of common interests. Most importantly, both organizations want to see staff have access to a secure retirement. We are currently sharing information and data to develop proposals that meet our joint interests.
SEIU Healthcare 1199NW made a presentation to Group Health about the effects subcontracting can have on patient care and the challenges SEIU members face without strong subcontracting protections.
The bargaining teams are engaged in a thoughtful and deliberative process on tough issues. Our goal is to begin to reach tentative agreements in upcoming sessions. Over the course of the next couple of weeks, our teams will focus on issues such as PTO, staffing, and wages.
“The interest-based bargaining approach gives us a solid framework for engaging in productive dialogue,” said Jill Ostrem, VP of Consultative Specialty and Acute Care Services. “I’ve appreciated the opportunity to listen to the concerns our staff have around these important issues and hear their ideas.”
“I’m impressed with how we’re being respected and listened to thus far. This is much different than last time,” said Julie Elsdon, LPN, Tacoma South. “We will continue to stay focused on our issues and interests to reach our objectives of a fair contract.”
Questions?If you have questions about the labor negotiations, you may contact your union delegate or organizer; e-mail Group Health’s Labor Relations team at
asklabor@ghc.org; or visit the SEIU website at
www.seiu1199nw.org.
Upcoming bargaining datesThe next two sessions are scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 17 and Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Bargaining team rosterVanessa Arpin, Kristen Awadjie, Chris Barton, Denice Bischofberger, Marlen Black, Kathi Brockl, Laura Carter-Simmons, Estee Carton-Bozzi, Jennifer Cates, Diane Correa, Gerda Cunningham, Phillip Daaga, Dixie Darst-Copeland, Christine DeLeon, Rose "Sharry" Edwards, Julie Elsdon, Patricia Emswiler, Valerie Finkley, Marian Geddes, Laurette Grabowski, Arrie Hansen, Joni Hardcastle, Mike Harrington, Sandra Heinzle, Julie Hixson, Tara Hollander, Darryl Holman, Beverly Howald, Mark Hutcheson, James Johnson, Caroline Keyser, Jason Klumb, Teresa Ledray, Martha Lloyd, Karen Lundberg, Tupamara Maestas, Sarah Matthews, Bonnie Mayhan, Cheryl McArthur, Cynthia Meade, Stephanie Moss, Valeita Mukai, Elaine Nelson, Victoria Neumeier, Jenny Odsather, Jean Oliden, Jill Ostrem, Rose Hatsumi Reid, Donald Ridings, Mary Jo Schneck, Sylvia Suszka-Hildebrandt, Darrell Thomas, Barbara Trehearne, Hai Kan “Kent” Tse, Kay Tucker, Monte Verley, Kathy Wilson, Nancy Wittman, Cheryle Wood