Clinic Workers at Community Health Care Will Picket to Demand Strong Contract with Fair Pay, Benefits, and Investment in Care 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2026

TACOMA, WA — Nearly 300 clinic workers, united in SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, at seven Community Health Care facilities in Tacoma, Spanaway, Lakewood, and Puyallup will hold informational pickets on Tuesday, January 27, calling on CHC administration to invest in recruitment and retention by settling a strong union contract.

After more than 15 bargaining sessions, the two sides remain far apart on key issues, including wages, benefits, and discipline. Workers report that Community Health Care administrators have eroded medical and retirement benefits since the last contract. 

Management’s current wage proposal is 0.5% for the vast majority of the workforce, far below the $25 hourly starting wage that is standard for healthcare workers in the area and necessary to keep up with the cost of living in Tacoma and reduce staff turnover. Healthcare workers also report an increase in disciplinary actions against union members and retaliation by managers toward union delegates. 

“We’re calling on management to negotiate in good faith and ensure our patients have a secure and stable workforce they can trust and rely on for high-quality care at their community clinics, especially in these tumultuous political times,” said Dorothy Challenger, Lead Dental Assistant in Spanaway and a member of the union bargaining team. “We’re proud of the work we do, but it’s incredibly hard to do it safely under the pressure of low pay and inconsistent discipline.” 

Workers remain committed to reaching an agreement at the bargaining table that strengthens their union contract and delivers improved wages, stable benefits, and a fair and compassionate disciplinary process applied consistently across clinics and managers. 

The bargaining unit includes licensed practical nurses, coding compliance specialists, community health workers, dental assistants, medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, professional health billers, dental and medical receptionists, sterilizing technicians, patient navigators, patient service representatives, and other job classes. Community Health Care is a Federally Qualified Health Center. 

“The FQHC patient population includes people who are especially vulnerable due to immigration status, income level, and other factors that contribute to poor health outcomes,” said Yolanda Kennedy-Kambarami, a Patient Services Representative in Puyallup and a member of the union bargaining team. “These clinics are a safety net for our neighbors and community members. Retaining trusted staff who can meet patients’ complex and cultural needs is essential right now.” 

Community members are invited to join healthcare workers on the picket line to stand in solidarity, learn more about their fight for a strong union contract, and add their voices to workers’ call for investment in patient care. 

** To RSVP or to request an interview with workers, contact: Grace Drechsel, graced@seiu1199nw.org, 425.615.8837** 

WHO:  The healthcare workers of SEIU Healthcare 1199NW at seven Community Health Care facilities in Tacoma, Spanaway, Lakewood, and Puyallup WHAT: Informational pickets calling on Community Health Care to settle a strong contract with healthcare workers.
WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Pickets at CHC Tacoma