The PeaceHealth bargaining team worked late into the night on September 27 to reach resolution on a new contract. Management agreed to a settlement on September 27, including the best wage increases PeaceHealth workers have ever seen.
Workers made significant improvements in many areas of their contract affecting quality patient care, including an agreement to reduce mandatory overtime, improvement to the rest less than ten language, and wage increases and market adjustments that will make PeaceHealth more competitive and improve recruitment and retention, especially in areas with very high turnover.
The bargaining team was also able to convince management to withdraw all of their proposals that would weaken seniority rights by introducing equitable rotation into our contract.
Highlights of the new agreement
• Two new steps, at 1 year and 2 years
• 1st year wage increase of 6.5% (3% across-the-board, plus 3.5% due to new steps)
• Across-the board increases of 3.5% in 2008 and 3.75% in 2009
• Market adjustments for Medical Assistants, OB Techs, Central Sterile Processing Assistants and Techs, ED Techs, Surgical Services Assistants, Unit Secretaries, Patient Team Supports, Radiology Clerks, and Pharmacy Techs.
“This contract is proof of how powerful we are as a union when we all stick together," said Heather Olson-Smith, a PeaceHealth bargaining team member. "This agreement is a HUGE victory for our members, and is revolutionary for SEIU Local 49."